double-space
C1formal, technical, academic
Definition
Meaning
To format text with two spaces between successive lines.
A verb describing the action of inserting a full blank line between each line of text; an adjective describing text formatted in this manner. Historically significant in typewriting and early word processing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a verb ('double-space the document'). Can be used attributively as an adjective ('a double-spaced essay'). Its need arose from physical typewriters and persists in some academic/style-guide contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word itself is used identically. The practice may be more consistently required in specific US style guides (e.g., MLA historically).
Connotations
Connotes formality, academic submission, manuscript preparation, and adherence to specific formatting rules.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prevalence of certain academic style guides mandating it. In both varieties, its use has declined with modern digital formatting defaults.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + Direct Object (e.g., Double-space your essay.)[Adjective] + Noun (e.g., Submit a double-spaced copy.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in modern business; mostly historical in formal report preparation.
Academic
Central in contexts requiring strict style adherence (e.g., theses, dissertations, manuscript submissions to journals).
Everyday
Very low frequency; limited to specific formatting instructions for school or official forms.
Technical
Used in word processing software menus and documentation (e.g., 'Format -> Paragraph -> Line spacing: Double').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must double-space your dissertation before binding.
- The journal's guidelines clearly state to double-space all submissions.
American English
- Please double-space your resume for this application.
- The professor asked us to double-space our final papers.
adverb
British English
- [Rare as a standalone adverb; typically 'double-spaced' as adjective]
- [N/A]
American English
- [Rare as a standalone adverb; typically 'double-spaced' as adjective]
- [N/A]
adjective
British English
- A double-spaced printout is required for the examiners.
- She handed in a double-spaced, twelve-page report.
American English
- The submission must be in a double-spaced, Times New Roman font.
- He reviewed the double-spaced manuscript with red pen in hand.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too specific for A2; concept not typically introduced]
- The teacher said our essay must be double-spaced.
- How do I double-space my text in this program?
- Before printing, ensure you have double-spaced the entire document to meet the formatting requirements.
- Academic papers are frequently required to be double-spaced to allow room for reviewer comments.
- Adherence to the publisher's strict guidelines, which mandate a double-spaced manuscript with one-inch margins, is non-negotiable.
- The transition from single-spaced draft to double-spaced final copy visually expanded the text, making structural flaws more apparent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'double-decker' bus: two levels. 'Double-space' means two lines of space (a full blank line) between each line of writing.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACING IS A VERTICAL MEASURE (like a ruler or gap).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'двойной пробел' (which refers to a double *spacebar* space between words). The correct conceptual translation is 'двойной интервал' or 'интервал в два раза больше обычного'.
Common Mistakes
- Using a double space (pressing spacebar twice) between words, which is a different concept (and a typographic error).
- Confusing 'double-space' (verb/adjective) with 'double spacing' (noun phrase).
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean to 'double-space' a document?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is less common in general business and online writing, but it remains a strict requirement in many academic disciplines, legal documents, and manuscript submissions to publishers and journals, as dictated by specific style guides.
There is no practical difference. 'Double-space' is typically used as a verb or adjective ('double-spaced'), while 'double line spacing' is the noun phrase describing the format itself. They refer to the same formatting instruction.
Yes, exactly. Selecting 'Double' from the line spacing dropdown menu sets the line spacing multiplier to 2.0, which inserts a full line of space between each line of text.
Its primary historical purpose was to leave room for handwritten edits, comments, and proofreading marks between the lines of typewritten text. This practical benefit persists for reviewers and editors.