What are the definitions of “double up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Bend over at the waist.
He DOUBLED UP in pain after being hit in the stomach.
- 2Share accommodation because there are too many people.
We had to DOUBLE UP because we hadn't booked enough rooms.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “double up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb double up is to bend over at the waist, often due to pain or laughter. For example, someone might double up in pain after being hit in the stomach or double up with laughter after hearing a funny joke.
What are the different verb forms of “double up”?
| Root Verb | double up |
| Third Person Singular Present | doubles up |
| Present Participle | doubling up |
| Simple Past | doubled up |
| Past Participle | doubled up |
Example
He doubled up in pain after being hit in the stomach.
Example
She doubles up with laughter whenever she hears that joke.
Example
He is doubling up in pain after stubbing his toe.
Example
She doubled up with laughter after hearing the funny story.
Example
He had doubled up in pain when he twisted his ankle.
What kind of phrasal verb is “double up”?
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 up” 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
She doubled up with laughter after hearing the joke.
Example
He doubled up in pain after being hit in the stomach.
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 up” 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
She doubled up with laughter after hearing the joke.
Example
He doubled up in pain after being hit in the stomach.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “double up”?
Double up as
To serve two different functions or roles.
Example
The sofa doubles up as a bed for guests.
Good things to know
Does “double up” have an informal or formal tone?
Double up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
