multiply

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "multiply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb when you want to express the concept of increasing in number, size, or amount. For example, "The profits of the company have multiplied fivefold since its founding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wanted players' contact with the ball to multiply and their thought processes to accelerate.

The Guardian - Sport

The Copenhagen Wheel turns bicycles into electric hybrids, able to multiply pedal power, track your heart rate and monitor potholes.

The Guardian

If you want to give it try, here it is direct from Grandma Sweetwine's "bible": If a boy gives a girl an orange, her love for him will multiply.

The Guardian

He fears the sole will be too big – fears that multiply when a great flat fish is brought out for inspection – and that he will feel guilty for not finishing it.

The Guardian - Music

Together, we will multiply our efforts to drive capital flow and reduce carbon by achieving industry-changing impact and international headlines that promote the breakthroughs and the pioneers achieving them," said Jules Kortenhorst, who will serve as chief executive officer of the new organisation.

The Guardian

In 2015 it will multiply across commercial TV screens in an orgy of building, cooking … and of course singing.

The Guardian

"The results will multiply".

The Guardian

The thing about stem cells of all types, which makes them different from ordinary body cells, is that they have special permission to multiply indefinitely.For a soma to work, most of its component cells have to accept they are the end of the line which, given that that line in question stretches back unbroken to the first living organisms more than 3 billion years ago, is a hard thing to do.

The Economist

But surging smartphone use and a broadening middle class mean the market is set to multiply; perhaps fivefold by 2018, reckons Frost & Sullivan, a consulting firm.

The Economist

Wherever they go, they must multiply, not divide.

The Economist

In 1968 he argued that Catholics "breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "multiply" in a mathematical context, ensure clarity by specifying the numbers being multiplied (e.g., "Multiply 5 by 3").

Common error

Avoid using "multiply" loosely in non-numerical contexts where a more precise term like "increase", "expand", or "proliferate" would be more appropriate. For example, it's better to say "The rumors increased rapidly" rather than "The rumors multiplied rapidly" if you're not implying a specific numerical increase.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "multiply" is as a verb, indicating the action of increasing in number or amount. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a verb and provides examples of its usage. For instance, "The results will multiply" demonstrates its role in expressing future growth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "multiply" functions primarily as a verb, signifying an increase in number or amount, as verified by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans mathematical contexts to figurative descriptions of growth and intensification. While grammatically straightforward, choosing precise synonyms like "increase" or "proliferate" can enhance clarity in non-numerical contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business domains, "multiply" maintains a neutral to formal register. To improve your writing, specify numbers in mathematical contexts, and select more descriptive words like "expand" when "multiply" does not fit contextually. As shown by Ludwig, "multiply" appears in many contexts, but always be mindful of clarity and precision in word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase

Focuses on a general rise in quantity or degree without necessarily implying a mathematical operation.

expand

Implies growth or enlargement in scope, size, or extent.

proliferate

Suggests a rapid and widespread increase, often in a biological context.

augment

Indicates adding something to increase its size or value.

amplify

Focuses on increasing the intensity or magnitude of something, like sound or a signal.

escalate

Implies a gradual increase in intensity, often in a negative or conflict-related situation.

magnify

Suggests making something appear larger, either literally or figuratively.

aggrandize

Indicates enhancing the power, wealth, or status of someone or something, often unduly.

double

Implies a precise increase to twice the original amount.

compound

Suggests accumulating or intensifying, often referring to interest or problems.

FAQs

How can I use "multiply" in a sentence?

You can use "multiply" to describe the act of increasing a number, amount, or degree. For example, "To find the area, you must "multiply" the length by the width" or "The company's profits have "multiplied" significantly this year".

What words can I use instead of "multiply"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "increase", "expand", "proliferate", or "augment". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "multiply the efforts"?

Yes, it is correct to say "multiply the efforts". It means to increase or enhance the efforts being made, often by combining or coordinating them. For example, "By working together, we can "multiply" our efforts and achieve greater results".

What is the difference between "multiply" and "add"?

"Multiply" refers to the process of repeated addition, resulting in a product, whereas "add" is the basic operation of combining two or more numbers to find their sum. For example, multiplying 3 by 4 (3 x 4) is equivalent to adding 3 four times (3 + 3 + 3 + 3), while simply adding 3 and 4 (3 + 4) gives a different result.