What are the definitions of “double up as”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have a second function or purpose.
The display screen DOUBLES UP AS a solar panel.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “double up as”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb double up as is to have a second function or purpose. It is often used to describe objects or people that can perform two different tasks or roles. For example, a sofa that can be used as a bed or a person who can do two jobs.
What are the different verb forms of “double up as”?
| Root Verb | double up as |
| Third Person Singular Present | doubles up as |
| Present Participle | doubling up as |
| Simple Past | doubled up as |
| Past Participle | doubled up as |
Example
This sofa doubles up as a bed for guests.
Example
The kitchen counter doubles up as a dining table.
Example
The small room is doubling up as a home office and a guest room.
Example
The teacher doubled up as a coach for the school's soccer team.
Example
The community center has doubled up as a shelter during emergencies.
What kind of phrasal verb is “double up 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 up 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 sofa doubles up as a bed.
Example
The teacher doubled up as a coach.
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 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 sofa doubles up as a bed.
Example
The teacher doubled up as a coach.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “double up as”?
Double up as a substitute
Temporarily take on the role or function of someone or something else.
Example
During the renovation, the living room doubled up as a bedroom.
Good things to know
Does “double up as” have an informal or formal tone?
Double up 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 professional or academic settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “double up as”?
Synonyms
- serve as
- function as
- act as
- perform as
- work as
- operate as
- be used as
- substitute as
Antonyms
- single function
- sole purpose
- one role
- exclusive use
- limited function
- restricted purpose
