is twice

USAGE SUMMARY

"is twice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things to show that one of them is equal to two instances of the other. For example, "The amount of ice cream in the bowl is twice the amount of candy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is – twice over.

Independent

He is twice divorced.

The New York Times

Proust is twice the length.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Allbaugh is twice married.

The New York Times

It is twice, not once.

The New York Times

Now it is twice that average.

The Economist

His mahogany coffin is twice the price.

The New York Times

(Today it is twice its 2007 level).

The Economist

Unemployment is twice New York's average.

The Economist

Which is twice the number anyone expected.

The New York Times - Arts

"Now this is twice more important".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is twice" to clearly express that one quantity is double the amount of another. For example, "The risk is twice as high" is clearer than "The risk is elevated."

Common error

Avoid using "is twice" when the intended meaning is 'almost twice' or 'more than'. Use modifiers like 'nearly' or 'well over' to convey nuanced differences in proportion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is twice" typically functions as a comparative expression indicating that one quantity, quality, or attribute is double the value of another. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Forbes

3%

TechCrunch

3%

The New Yorker

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is twice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that one entity is double the value of another. According to Ludwig, this construction is indeed correct and commonly applied. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for broad communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid using it when the intended meaning is approximate or greater than but not exactly double. Alternatives such as "is doubled" or "is two times" can offer variety, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is doubled

Indicates a multiplication by two but uses a passive voice.

is two times

Uses the explicit term "times" to indicate multiplication by two.

is multiplied by two

Emphasizes the mathematical operation of multiplication.

is twice the amount of

Specifies that the relationship is in terms of quantity.

is twice as much as

Uses a comparative structure to emphasize the difference.

is double the size of

Focuses on size as the attribute being compared.

is two-fold

Uses a more formal term to indicate a doubling.

represents a twofold increase

Specifies that one of the compared quantity is not static

is magnified twofold

Focuses on the extent of the change between the two quantities

is replicated

Focuses on the extent of the change between the two quantities

FAQs

How can I use "is twice" in a sentence?

The phrase "is twice" is used to indicate that one thing is double the amount or size of another. For example, "The new model "is twice as fast" as the old one."

What are some alternatives to saying "is twice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is doubled", "is two times", or "is two-fold", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is twice as"?

Yes, "is twice as" is grammatically correct and often followed by an adjective or adverb to describe the quality being doubled. For instance, "is twice as expensive".

What's the difference between "is twice" and "is doubled"?

"Is twice" explicitly compares two quantities, showing one is double the other. "Is doubled" describes the action of something being multiplied by two. For example, "The investment "is twice the amount" from last year" versus "The investment "is doubled" this year".