virtually double the size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually double the size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an increase in size that is almost, but not quite, double the original size, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The new building is virtually double the size of the old one, providing much more space for our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On completion the development, called Andermatt Swiss Alps (ASA), will virtually double the size of the town.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When it opened, said Henry J. Paparazzo, the chairman of its development group, "we virtually doubled the size of the town.

The New York Times

But those two attributes will also be the most difficult to wrestle to the ground, as the deal will virtually double the company's size.

Forbes

Such a measure would virtually double the revenue garnered from these top earners without markedly compromising their standard of living.

The New York Times

To double the size would make it out of scale".

The Guardian

"To double the size of the business," says Tai-Pan.

Forbes

Mitt: I'd double the size of Guantanamo.

Huffington Post

He'd double the size of the Peace Corps and expand the AmeriCorps program.

Huffington Post

Most critical is doubling the size of the subway system.

The New York Times

Some rural areas became seriously depopulated, whereas Rome and many of the northern cities virtually doubled in size, with the immigrants being crowded into bleak housing estates on the outskirts or into improvised shantytowns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We actually doubled the size of the house.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually double the size", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured (e.g., area, volume, capacity) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually double the size" when the increase is significantly less than double; use more precise language like "increased by 50%" or "grew substantially" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "virtually double the size" is as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a significant, near-doubling increase in size. Ludwig examples show it describing increases in revenue, building sizes, or even abstract concepts like market value.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually double the size" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate a significant increase in size, nearing a complete doubling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources. To ensure clarity, specify what is being measured when using the phrase. Alternatives include "almost twice as big" and "nearly double in magnitude". Avoid using the phrase when the increase is significantly less than double to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost twice as big

Indicates a size nearing but not quite reaching double.

nearly double in magnitude

Emphasizes the amount and scale of the increase.

approximately twice the extent

Highlights the reach or scope being close to doubled.

close to doubling the area

Focuses on the surface or expanse increasing.

in the neighborhood of twice the size

Uses a more conversational tone to convey a near doubling.

practically double the dimensions

Highlights that the increase happened in two or three dimensions.

essentially twice as large

Indicates the augmented thing got bigger.

virtually twice the volume

Specifies that the amount of space has expanded.

around double the capacity

Highlights the holding ability being close to doubled.

not far off from doubling its footprint

Focuses on the space occupied and that it has nearly doubled.

FAQs

What does "virtually double the size" mean?

The phrase "virtually double the size" means that something is almost, but not exactly, twice as big as it was before. It indicates a very significant increase.

Is it correct to say "virtually double the size"?

Yes, it is correct to say "virtually double the size". The adverb "virtually" modifies "double", suggesting that the size is very close to being doubled. According to Ludwig AI it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

What are some alternatives to "virtually double the size"?

You can use alternatives like "almost twice as big", "nearly double in magnitude", or "approximately twice the extent" depending on the context.

How does "virtually double the size" differ from "exactly double the size"?

"Virtually double the size" implies the increase is close to, but not precisely, 100%. "Exactly double the size" means the size has increased by precisely 100%.