less than twice

USAGE SUMMARY

"less than twice" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "She had to wake up less than twice during the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interestingly, the HD channel now occupies LESS THAN TWICE the bitrate of either of the SD BBC 1 channels!

BBC

Indeed, 60%% of papers are cited less than twice and so probably are never read.

Annales Médico-psychologiques, revue psychiatrique

Furthermore, the maximum measurement grid spacing must be less than twice the standoff distance.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The average Briton has sex just under seven times per month, less than twice a week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's less than twice the regular low, $255, which is more than similar destinations can say.

The New York Times - Travel

Japan's Nuclear Safety Commission has announced a figure a bit less than twice that.

The Economist

The beam pipe radius is chosen so that the cutoff frequency is less than twice that of the accelerating mode.

Physica C: Superconductivity

The asymmetric flames, in particular, vanish for channel heights roughly less than twice the laminar flame thickness.

Combustion and Flame

In infants and small children, studies have indicated that the toxic dose is less than twice the recommended dose.

The New York Times - Health

Running time: something less than twice as long, as the BMT ride from Bay Ridge to Manhattan.

The New Yorker

When it was created in 1997, the children's program focused on families with incomes less than twice the poverty level.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantities or measurements, use "less than twice" to clearly indicate that a value is smaller than double another value. This avoids ambiguity and provides a precise comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less than twice" when you actually mean "half". "Less than twice" indicates a value that's more than half but not quite double, while "half" specifically refers to 50% of the value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than twice" functions as a quantifier, specifically used to express that a certain amount or degree is smaller than double a reference value. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently used in comparative statements to define a range or limit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than twice" serves as a versatile quantifier indicating a value below double a given reference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across science, news media, and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, precise use avoids confusion with terms like "half" or "almost double". Remember to use "less than twice" to specify a quantity that falls below the doubled amount, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not even double

This alternative emphasizes the quantity being definitively below double.

under twofold

A more formal and technical way of saying "less than twice".

below a doubling

This phrase focuses on the absence of a complete doubling.

fraction less than double

Indicates that a fractional amount is subtracted from double.

somewhat less than double

Highlights a marginal difference from twice the amount.

a little under double

This suggests the amount is only slightly less than double.

not quite doubling

Emphasizes that the quantity has not reached the point of doubling.

less than doubling

Focuses on the action of doubling and its incomplete status.

under two times

A slightly more literal and numerical alternative.

a shade below double

This suggests a very slight difference from double.

FAQs

How can I use "less than twice" in a sentence?

You can use "less than twice" to compare a value against another. For example: "The cost was "less than twice" the original estimate." or "The area is "less than twice" the size of the room".

What are some alternatives to saying "less than twice"?

Alternatives include "not even double", "under twofold", or "slightly less than double". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more accurate to say "less than twice" or "almost double"?

"Less than twice" is more precise, indicating any value below double. "Almost double" implies a value close to double, so it's not always interchangeable. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended degree of difference.

What is the difference between "less than twice" and "more than half"?

"Less than twice" means a value is smaller than 200% of another, while "more than half" means a value is greater than 50%. They are related but not equivalent; a value that is 75% of another is both "less than twice" and "more than half".