multiply by three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiply by three" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in mathematical contexts when instructing someone to perform a multiplication operation involving the number three. Example: "To find the total cost, multiply by three the price of each item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"For every year you defer maintenance, multiply by three or four or ten what you will need to invest to bring it back," Mr. McBride in Guilford said.

The New York Times

Also, a simultaneous N-doping and AuNPs-decoration allows to multiply by three the photocurrent in photoelectrochemical water oxidation at the potential of 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl.

Electrochimica Acta

Then, add up your average monthly expenses, subtract about 10% for belt tightening, and multiply by three to six (or more), depending on your needs.

BBC

So, if we make a specific adjustment for the age group of the population and then multiply by three, five out of 24 - roughly one in five - is not a very unexpected number, Dr Cazap says.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

(Remember: To convert seconds into BlackBerry time, multiply by seven).

The New York Times - Tech

"Multiply by two and you get twenty-six" — but Eisenberg quickly gave in.

The New Yorker

Count the number of beats in 15 seconds, and multiply by four.

Harvard University

They're not going to multiply by five, but they will go up incrementally".

The Guardian

And if it were extended to age 35, the number would multiply by ten.

The Times

By the time it reaches Paris or London, its value may multiply by ten.

The Economist

"As they plan, families must remember to multiply by four," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving mathematical instructions, use "multiply by three" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "To convert meters to centimeters, multiply by three."

Common error

Avoid using "multiply by three" when the mathematical order of operations is ambiguous. Use parentheses to clarify which operation should be performed first. For example, instead of writing "add two and multiply by three", write "(add two) multiply by three" to ensure the addition is performed before the multiplication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiply by three" primarily functions as a mathematical instruction, guiding the user to perform a specific arithmetic operation. It's used to describe the process of increasing a value by a factor of three. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "multiply by three" is a grammatically sound phrase used to instruct a mathematical operation. While Ludwig identifies it as correct, its frequency is relatively rare. It appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Wiki content, indicating a neutral formality level. To enhance your writing, consider using alternatives like "triple" or "thrice" for variety and ensure clarity in mathematical contexts by clarifying the order of operations with parentheses when needed. Keep in mind alternatives phrases such as "triple", "thrice", or "multiply it by three".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiply it by three

Adds the pronoun "it" for clarification, emphasizing a specific subject.

triple

This is a more concise verb form indicating multiplication by three.

treble the amount

Specifies the action of multiplying an amount by three.

times by three

Uses "times" instead of "multiply", offering a more colloquial tone.

thrice

This is an adverbial form denoting multiplication by three, often used formally.

increase threefold

Indicates an increase in quantity by a factor of three, focusing on the result.

factor of three

Highlights the multiplication factor, useful for focusing on the proportional increase.

magnify by three

Implies an increase in size or importance by a factor of three.

scale up by three

Suggests increasing the size or scope proportionally by a factor of three.

amplify by three

This implies increasing something, often an effect or signal, by a factor of three.

FAQs

How can I use "multiply by three" in a sentence?

You can use "multiply by three" to instruct someone to perform a multiplication operation. For example, "To calculate the total cost, "multiply by three" the price of each item."

What are some alternatives to "multiply by three"?

Some alternatives to "multiply by three" include "triple", "thrice", or "multiply it by three", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "times by three" instead of "multiply by three"?

While "multiply by three" is more formal, "times by three" is acceptable in informal contexts. Both phrases indicate the same mathematical operation.

What is the difference between "increase threefold" and "multiply by three"?

"Increase threefold" emphasizes the resulting increase in quantity, while ""multiply by three"" focuses on the operation itself. They are often interchangeable, but the emphasis differs slightly.