twice

1.predeterminerA2

Definition

used before a noun phrase that includes a determiner (such as 'the', 'my', or 'this') to mean 'two times as much' or 'two times as many'

Example

Felix earns twice the salary that he made five years ago.

twice + determiner (the) + noun for comparison

The family's new house is twice the size of their old apartment.

Common collocations

twice the size
twice the amount
twice the price
twice the speed
twice the age
twice the number

Synonyms

double
used as a determiner/adjective in similar contexts ('double the amount'), but 'double' can also be a verb

Antonyms

half
used in the same predeterminer position for the opposite comparison ('half the size')

Grammar Patterns

twice + determiner (the / my / this) + noun

Usage Note

This sense requires a determiner (article, possessive, or demonstrative) before the noun. Say 'twice the amount' or 'twice my age', NOT 'twice amount'.

Common Mistakes

The package is two times the weight of yours.

The package is twice the weight of yours.

'twice' is the standard predeterminer; 'two times' sounds unnatural before a noun phrase.

1.adverbA2

Definition

on two separate occasions; a total of two times

Example

Imani called the bank twice but the line was always busy.

verb + twice at end of clause

The smoke alarm rang twice in the middle of the night.

Common collocations

call twice
visit twice
read twice
check twice
knock twice
think twice
tell someone twice

Synonyms

two times
less common and less idiomatic in most contexts, especially in everyday speech

Antonyms

once
happening one time only, the opposite of two times

Grammar Patterns

verb + twice

auxiliary verb + twice

twice at end of clause

Usage Note

Usually placed at the end of the clause. When an auxiliary verb is present, it can also sit between the auxiliary and the main verb ('She has twice called to complain'), but end position is more natural.

Common Mistakes

I called double to confirm the booking.

I called twice to confirm the booking.

'double' refers to quantity, not the number of times an action happens.

2.adverbA2

Definition

by a factor of two; to a degree or in an amount that is two times greater

Example

The train ticket cost twice as much during the New Year holiday.

twice as + adjective (much) for degree comparison

Élise ran twice as fast in the final race as she did in practice.

Common collocations

twice as much
twice as many
twice as large
twice as fast
twice as long
twice as heavy
twice as expensive

Synonyms

doubly
formal register, used before adjectives ('doubly important') rather than in 'as…as' comparisons

Antonyms

half as
used in the same comparison structure to indicate half the amount or degree ('half as expensive')

Grammar Patterns

twice as + adjective/adverb

twice as + much/many + noun

twice the + noun

Usage Note

Do not use 'twice' before a comparative adjective ('cheaper', 'bigger') — say 'twice as cheap' or 'half the price' instead. The structure is always 'twice as + adjective/adverb'.

Common Mistakes

This box is twice heavier than that one.

This box is twice as heavy as that one.

'twice' requires the 'as + adjective + as' pattern, not a comparative form.

Idioms

think twice

idiom

to consider something very carefully before making a decision, especially because of possible risks or problems

You should think twice before lending money to someone you barely know.

After the accident, Felix thought twice about riding a motorcycle in the rain.

not think twice

idiom

to do something immediately without hesitation, especially because you are certain it is the right thing to do

When the neighbour's dog fell into the river, Eli did not think twice about jumping in to save it.

If I were offered a job abroad, I would not think twice before accepting it.

lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice

idiom

An unusual or bad event is unlikely to happen again in the same situation.

Maya lost her wallet here last year, but lightning never strikes twice.

Do you think lightning never strikes twice? Brian got robbed again.

once bitten, twice shy

idiom

After a bad experience, you become more careful to avoid similar situations.

After falling off his bike, Tom is once bitten, twice shy.

Once bitten, twice shy: Sara never trusts online deals now.

once or twice

idiom

A small number of times, usually two or three.

I have visited that museum once or twice with my cousin.

Have you seen this movie before? Only once or twice.

think twice about something/about doing something

idiom

To consider something carefully before deciding to do it.

You should think twice about buying such an expensive car.

Diego thought twice before quitting his job without a plan.

twice over

idiom

Two times, often used to emphasize a large amount or degree.

The medicine was strong enough to cure him twice over.

She checked the report twice over to avoid any mistakes.

Word family

two
numberA1
second
determinerA1
double
adjectiveA2
double
verbB1
twofold
adjectiveB2
twofold
adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Twice' is the standard, idiomatic way to say 'on two occasions' in modern English. 'Two times' is grammatically possible but sounds less natural in most everyday contexts — a native speaker would say 'I called twice' rather than 'I called two times'. 'Once or twice' and 'a couple of times' are vaguer, meaning approximately two occasions without being exact, and are useful when precision is not important. For example: 'I've been to that restaurant once or twice' suggests a small, indefinite number of visits, while 'I've been there twice' states exactly two. In formal writing 'twice' remains the preferred choice; 'two times' may appear in mathematical or technical contexts where literal counting is intended.

twice ↗two timesonce or twice ↗a couple of times

Common collocations

Phrases

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word comes from Old English 'twiwa' (meaning 'two times'), which developed from the Proto-Germanic root '*twi-', related to the number two. It has been used in English for over a thousand years to express the idea of doubling or repetition. The modern form 'twice' follows a pattern shared with 'once' (from Old English 'anes', meaning 'of one'), where an adverbial -s or -ce ending was added to the numeral root.

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twice

twice — predeterminer

1. used before a noun phrase that includes a determiner (such as 'the', 'my', or 't

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

twice — adverb

1. on two separate occasions; a total of two times

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. by a factor of two; to a degree or in an amount that is two times greater

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

think twice

not think twice

lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice

once bitten, twice shy

once or twice

think twice about something/about doing something

twice over

Word family

Synonym discussion

Common collocations

Phrases

Etymology

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