"it can double" vs "it can be doubled"

Question

"it can double" vs "it can be doubled"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. 'It can double' implies that something has the ability to increase by two times, while 'it can be doubled' suggests that something can be multiplied by two by someone or something else.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to express the capability of something to grow or multiply by two times.

Examples:

The recipe can double if you need to make more servings.
The company's profits can double if they implement the new strategy.
The population of the city can double in the next decade.

Alternatives:

it can increase by two times
it can grow twofold
it can multiply by two

This phrase is used to convey that something has the capacity to be increased by two times by someone or something else.

Examples:

The investment can be doubled if the market conditions are favorable.
The time required for the project can be doubled if additional resources are allocated.
The speed of the car can be doubled with the new engine.

Alternatives:

it can be multiplied by two
it can be increased twofold
it can be made twice as much

Answer 1

it can double

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate the ability of something to increase by two times.

Answer 2

it can be doubled

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that something has the potential to be multiplied by two.

"it can double" vs "it can be doubled"

it can double

it can be doubled

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