three-fold

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "three-fold" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is three times greater in size, level, or amount than it was before. For example: "His salary increased three-fold since he assumed the position of CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Radcliffe's defence was three-fold.

The Guardian - Sport

The benefits would be three-fold.

The Economist

The reasons appear to be three-fold.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The challenges for us are three-fold.

The Guardian

"Uptake varies two to three-fold across the country.

The Guardian

We see this as a three-fold problem for Betfair.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The method is three fold.

European Transport Research Review

The contribution is three fold.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Three fold increase in information sharing per person.

TechCrunch

My argument is three fold.

Huffington Post

But the Secret Service protection duties are three fold.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "three-fold" to clearly indicate a quantity or effect that is three times greater. Ensure the context supports a quantitative interpretation rather than a qualitative one.

Common error

Avoid using "three-fold" when you mean 'complex' or 'multifaceted'. "Three-fold" specifically implies a multiplication by three, not just having three aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "three-fold" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating that something is comprised of three parts or has increased three times in size or degree. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a grammatically correct phrase. Examples show it used to describe problems, benefits, or contributions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis indicates that "three-fold" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase, used to describe something that is three times greater or comprised of three parts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing increases, problems, or benefits. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using "three-fold", ensure it accurately reflects a quantitative increase or a three-part structure, and is not misused as a general term for complexity. Consider using alternatives such as "tripled" or "three times as much" for conciseness, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tripled

Implies multiplication by three; a more concise alternative.

three times as much

Expresses a quantity that is three times larger.

increased threefold

More formal variation, emphasizing the act of increasing.

multiplied by three

Highlights the mathematical operation involved.

a triple increase

Focuses on the increase itself, quantifying it as triple.

increased by a factor of three

Emphasizes the proportional increase.

in triplicate

Implies three copies or instances of something, different usage but conceptually related.

three-part

Describes something consisting of three parts or elements.

tertiary

Relating to a third level or stage, applicable in hierarchical contexts.

a triumvirate

Refers to a group of three people holding power.

FAQs

How can I use "three-fold" in a sentence?

You can use "three-fold" to indicate that something has increased three times in size or amount. For example, "The company's profits increased "three-fold" this year."

What are some alternatives to using "three-fold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "tripled", "three times as much", or "increased by a factor of three" instead of "three-fold".

Is it correct to say "three-fold increase"?

Yes, "three-fold increase" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe an increase that is three times the original amount.

What is the difference between "two-fold" and "three-fold"?

"Two-fold" indicates that something is doubled or has two aspects, while "three-fold" indicates that something is tripled or has three aspects. Both are used to describe multiplication or a multifaceted nature.