What are the definitions of “double as”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have a second function or purpose.
My study DOUBLES AS a spare bedroom when we have visitors.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “double as”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb double as is to have a second function or purpose. It is often used to describe objects or spaces that can be used for two different purposes. For example, a room that can be used as both a bedroom and an office, or a person who has two different roles in a project.
What are the different verb forms of “double as”?
| Root Verb | double as |
| Third Person Singular Present | doubles as |
| Present Participle | doubling as |
| Simple Past | doubled as |
| Past Participle | doubled as |
Example
This sofa doubles as a bed for guests.
Example
Her office doubles as a meeting room when needed.
Example
The actor is doubling as both the director and the lead in the play.
Example
The small room doubled as a storage space and a laundry room.
Example
The table has doubled as a desk and a dining table in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “double as”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“double as” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The kitchen island doubles as a breakfast bar.
Example
The park doubles as a community garden.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“double as” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The kitchen island doubles as a breakfast bar.
Example
The park doubles as a community garden.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “double as”?
Double duty
Refers to something or someone performing two functions or roles at the same time.
Example
This moisturizer does double duty as a sunscreen, protecting your skin from the sun.
Double role
When an actor plays two different characters in the same movie or play.
Example
In the movie, the actress played a double role as both the protagonist and the antagonist.
Double life
When a person has two separate and distinct lives, often kept secret from each other.
Example
He was leading a double life, with a wife and family in one city and a girlfriend in another.
Good things to know
Does “double as” have an informal or formal tone?
Double as is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “double as”?
Synonyms
- serve as
- function as
- act as
- operate as
- work as
- perform as
Antonyms
- solely
- exclusively
- only
- single function
- single purpose
