double up
B2informal
Definition
Meaning
To share accommodation, a bed, or a vehicle with another person because of space limitations.
To bend over or clutch one's body due to laughter, pain, or a blow; to use or combine something for multiple purposes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb "double up" has three distinct meanings: 1) sharing a resource (e.g., a room) out of necessity, 2) bending one's body, usually involuntarily, and 3) serving two purposes simultaneously. Meaning depends heavily on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The meaning 'to share accommodation' is common in both, though slightly more frequent in UK travel contexts. The meaning 'to bend over with laughter/pain' is equally common. The US may more readily use "double up as" for dual-purpose use.
Connotations
In UK usage, 'double up' can sound slightly more pragmatic when referring to sharing. No strong negative/positive connotation in either variety.
Frequency
Overall frequency is similar, with moderate usage in informal spoken and written contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S + double up (intransitive)S + double up + on + object (e.g., on rooms)S + double up + as + object (dual purpose)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “double up with laughter”
- “double up in agony”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We can double up these two roles to save costs." (dual purpose)
Academic
Rare; might appear in descriptions of historical travel arrangements.
Everyday
"We had to double up in the hotel room because it was so expensive."
Technical
Rare; possible in logistics (e.g., "The truck can double up for both freight and refrigeration").
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We'll have to double up in the tents if it rains.
- The comedian's joke made the entire audience double up.
American English
- The kids can double up in the guest room.
- He doubled up from the punch to his stomach.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The room is small, so the children double up in one bed.
- During the conference, some participants had to double up in hotel rooms.
- The old sofa doubles up as a spare bed when we have visitors.
- A well-aimed critique from the opposition made several ministers double up with discomfort during the debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person DOUBLing (bending) their body UP into a curve, or two people becoming a 'double' unit in one space.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS A RESOURCE (sharing meaning); THE BODY IS A FLEXIBLE OBJECT (bending meaning); TOOLS ARE MULTIPLE (dual-purpose meaning).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'удвоить' (to multiply by two). For sharing, consider 'делить' or 'жить вдвоём в одной комнате'. For bending, consider 'согнуться пополам'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double up' to mean 'increase twofold' (correct: 'double', without 'up'). Incorrect: *'The sales doubled up last quarter'. Correct: 'We doubled up in the flat during the visit'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'double up' mean 'to serve two functions'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used in informal contexts. In formal writing, alternatives like 'share accommodation' or 'bend over' are preferred.
No, it is an intransitive phrasal verb. It does not take a direct object (e.g., you cannot 'double up something'). Patterns are: double up, double up on something, double up as something.
The most frequent meaning is 'to share a room, bed, or vehicle with someone else', especially out of necessity.
'Double' means to multiply by two or become twice as much. 'Double up' has the specific meanings of sharing, bending over, or serving a dual purpose.