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A1 noun #4,454 most common 11 min read

twice

Top 4,454

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips twice in 30 Seconds

Explanation twice in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'twice' is a very useful word for talking about your daily routine. It helps you tell people how many times you do things. For example, 'I brush my teeth twice a day' or 'I drink water twice every hour.' It is easier than saying 'two times.' Think of it as a special word for the number 2. You will see it in your English books when you learn about time and habits. It is one of the first 'frequency' words you should learn because it is used so much in real life. When you go to the doctor, they might say 'Take this medicine twice.' It is important to know this so you stay healthy. You can also use it to compare things in a simple way, like 'This apple is twice the size of that one.' Just remember that 'twice' usually comes at the end of what you are saying. It is a friendly, easy word that makes your English sound much better than just using numbers. Practice saying it out loud: 'twice, twice, twice.' It rhymes with 'nice' and 'ice.' If you know 'once' (1 time), then 'twice' (2 times) is the next step. Most A1 students find this word very helpful for talking about their family, their school, and their hobbies. For example, 'I play football twice a week.' It's a key building block for your basic English vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'twice' in more varied sentences. You are moving beyond just daily routines and starting to describe experiences. For example, 'I have been to London twice.' This uses the present perfect tense, which is common at this level. You also learn how to use 'twice' for comparisons. Instead of just saying 'It is big,' you can say 'It is twice as big as my car.' This structure—'twice as [adjective] as'—is very important. It shows that you are getting better at describing the world around you. You might also hear 'twice' in instructions, such as 'Click the button twice.' This is common when using computers or phones. At A2, you should also be careful not to say 'two times' too much. While 'two times' is okay, 'twice' is what native speakers usually say. It makes your speaking flow more naturally. You can also use 'twice' with 'a' and a time word, like 'twice a month' or 'twice a year.' This is great for talking about your holidays or how often you see your friends. Another common phrase at this level is 'think twice,' which means to be careful. For example, 'You should think twice before you jump into the water.' This shows you are learning not just the literal meaning of words, but also how they are used in common expressions.

At the B1 level, 'twice' becomes an essential tool for providing detailed information and making precise comparisons. You are expected to use it fluently in both spoken and written English. In business or academic contexts, you might use 'twice' to describe trends, such as 'The number of students has increased twice over the last decade.' You should also be comfortable with the 'twice the [noun]' structure, such as 'The new model has twice the memory of the old one.' This level requires a deeper understanding of where 'twice' fits in more complex sentences. For instance, you might use it in a subordinate clause: 'Although I've visited the city twice, I still get lost.' You are also introduced to more idiomatic uses, like 'to have second thoughts' (related to thinking twice). You'll notice 'twice' appearing in news reports and articles to provide statistics. 'The price of oil is twice what it was last year' is a classic B1-level sentence. You should also start to recognize the difference between 'twice' and 'double' in more nuanced ways. While 'twice' is an adverb of frequency, 'double' can be a verb, adjective, or noun. B1 learners should practice switching between these to see how it changes the sentence structure. For example, 'The company doubled its profits' versus 'The company's profits are twice as high as last year.' This flexibility is a hallmark of the B1 level.

At the B2 level, you should use 'twice' with precision and stylistic flair. You will encounter it in more formal and technical texts. For example, in a scientific report, you might read about 'twice-blind studies' (though 'double-blind' is more common, 'twice' is used in related frequency descriptions). You are expected to handle complex comparisons with ease: 'The impact was twice as significant as previously thought.' At this level, you also explore the subtle rhetorical uses of 'twice'. A speaker might use it for emphasis: 'I didn't just tell him once; I told him twice!' This shows a mastery of tone and intention. You should also be aware of the historical and literary context of the word. Phrases like 'twice-told tale' refer to something that is well-known or repetitive. B2 learners should also be careful with the placement of 'twice' in sentences with multiple auxiliary verbs, such as 'He could have been seen twice by the witnesses.' The word also appears in more sophisticated idioms like 'Lightning never strikes twice in the same place,' which you might use in a discussion about luck or probability. You are moving towards a level where 'twice' is not just a number, but a way to add rhythm and weight to your arguments. You should also be comfortable using it as a prefix in compound adjectives like 'twice-yearly' or 'twice-daily' in professional correspondence.

At the C1 level, your use of 'twice' should be completely natural, almost instinctive. You will use it to navigate complex social and professional situations where precision is paramount. In high-level academic writing, 'twice' is used to define ratios and frequencies with absolute clarity. You might analyze a dataset and conclude that 'the experimental group showed twice the rate of recovery compared to the control group.' At this level, you also appreciate the nuances of words like 'twofold' versus 'twice' and choose the one that best fits the register of your writing. C1 learners should be able to use 'twice' in sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as 'Twice the man his father was,' which uses the word to make a deep character comparison. You will also encounter 'twice' in legal and contractual language, where it must be interpreted with literal exactness. For instance, 'The penalty shall be twice the amount of the original fine.' You should also be sensitive to the cultural references involving 'twice', such as in literature or film, and understand how they use the word to convey themes of repetition, duality, or second chances. Your ability to use 'twice' in a variety of sentence structures—as an adverb, as part of a comparative phrase, or within an idiom—should be seamless. You are no longer just learning the word; you are using it as a precise instrument to express complex thoughts and observations about the world.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'twice' in all its forms, from the simplest frequency marker to its most obscure idiomatic and literary applications. You can use it to create subtle shades of meaning and to add a particular cadence to your prose. In creative writing, you might use 'twice' to evoke a sense of déjà vu or to highlight a recurring motif. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to the broader history of the English language. You can effortlessly integrate 'twice' into complex, multi-clause sentences without losing the reader's focus. For example: 'Having been warned twice already by the presiding judge, the witness finally realized that any further outbursts would result in a charge of contempt.' You are also adept at using 'twice' in philosophical or abstract discussions, such as debating whether 'a man can ever truly experience the same thing twice.' At this level, you are also aware of the very rare and archaic uses of the word that might appear in classical literature or poetry. You can distinguish between 'twice' and its synonyms with the precision of a native speaker, choosing 'twofold' for an analytical essay or 'twice' for a punchy speech. Your command of the word is such that you can even play with it, using it in puns or clever wordplay that relies on its multiple layers of meaning. 'Twice' is no longer a vocabulary item to you; it is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic toolkit.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

twice in 30 Seconds

Twice is a word that means two times or on two occasions, commonly used for frequency.
It also acts as a multiplier, indicating that something is double the size or amount of another.
Common phrases include 'twice a day', 'twice as much', and the idiom 'think twice'.
It is a more natural and fluent alternative to saying 'two times' in most English contexts.

The word twice is a fundamental frequency marker in the English language, serving as a more concise and sophisticated alternative to the phrase 'two times'. While it is categorized here as a noun-like quantifier in specific structures, its primary function is to denote that an event occurs on two distinct occasions or that a quantity is exactly double another. In everyday conversation, 'twice' is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from health and fitness—such as 'brushing your teeth twice a day'—to financial comparisons, such as 'the house is now worth twice its original price'. The elegance of 'twice' lies in its ability to condense a mathematical concept into a single, punchy syllable, providing a rhythmic quality to English speech that 'two times' often lacks.

Frequency Usage: Used to describe how often an action happens within a specific timeframe (e.g., twice a week, twice a month).

I checked the list twice to make sure there were no mistakes.

Beyond simple counting, 'twice' carries a psychological weight. To do something 'twice' often implies a level of thoroughness or a repetition for emphasis. In legal and formal contexts, 'twice-told' stories or 'twice-removed' relatives show how the word extends into familial and narrative structures. It is also a key component in comparative logic. When we say something is 'twice as big', we are setting up a direct ratio that is instantly understood by the listener. This comparative use is perhaps the most common way 'twice' functions as a noun-equivalent or predeterminer, acting as the head of a quantity phrase.

Comparative Logic: Used to indicate that one thing is double the size, amount, or degree of another thing (e.g., twice as fast, twice the cost).

Historically, 'twice' belongs to a small family of frequency adverbs that includes 'once' and the now-archaic 'thrice'. Because English lacks a 'four-ice' or 'five-ice', the word 'twice' stands out as a unique linguistic relic that has survived due to its sheer utility. It is often used in warnings, like the idiom 'think twice', which serves as a metaphor for caution. By suggesting a second round of thought, the word transforms from a simple number into a symbol of prudence and careful consideration.

The new battery lasts twice as long as the old one.

Mathematical Context: In word problems and statistics, 'twice' represents the multiplier of 2 (e.g., 10 is twice 5).

He won the championship twice in a row.

She was twice his age when they met.

Using 'twice' correctly involves understanding its placement within a sentence, which varies depending on whether you are emphasizing frequency or quantity. When used for frequency, 'twice' usually appears at the end of a clause or immediately following the verb phrase. For example, 'I exercise twice' is grammatically correct but feels incomplete; 'I exercise twice a week' provides the necessary temporal anchor. In more complex tenses, such as the present perfect, 'twice' often sits at the very end: 'I have seen that movie twice.' This placement ensures that the emphasis remains on the repetition of the experience.

Frequency Placement: Typically follows the direct object or the verb: 'I call my mother twice a day.'

The bell rang twice, signaling the end of the round.

When 'twice' is used for comparison, it follows a very specific 'twice as [adjective] as' pattern. This is a critical structure for English learners to master. For instance, 'This box is twice as heavy as that one' is the standard way to express a 2:1 weight ratio. You can also use 'twice' with nouns, but it requires the definite article: 'twice the size', 'twice the amount', or 'twice the price'. Note that you do not say 'twice more than'; while occasionally heard in colloquial speech, it is considered mathematically ambiguous and grammatically inferior to 'twice as much as'.

Comparative Structure: The pattern is 'twice as + adjective + as' or 'twice the + noun'. Example: 'Twice as tall' or 'Twice the height'.

In formal writing, 'twice' can even start a sentence to create a dramatic effect, though this is rare. More common is its use in 'if' clauses, such as 'If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice,' which is a hyperbolic way of saying 'I have told you many times.' The word also combines with other adverbs, like 'nearly twice' or 'more than twice', to provide nuanced approximations of quantity. Understanding these nuances allows a speaker to move from basic communication to precise, descriptive English.

He had to think twice before accepting the risky job offer.

Negative and Modal Use: Often used with 'won't' or 'don't' in warnings: 'Don't make me tell you twice!'

The recipe requires you to fold the dough twice.

The population of the city has grown twice as fast as expected.

If you step into a medical clinic, 'twice' is one of the most important words you will hear. Doctors and pharmacists use it constantly to prescribe dosages: 'Take this pill twice daily.' This specific usage is vital for safety and health, making it one of the first frequency words students learn in practical English. Similarly, in the world of fitness and sports, coaches might instruct athletes to 'run the circuit twice' or 'repeat the set twice'. In these environments, 'twice' serves as a clear, unmistakable command for repetition.

Medical Context: Standard terminology for dosage: 'Apply the cream twice a day, morning and night.'

The doctor told me to take the medicine twice a day with food.

In the business world, 'twice' appears in performance reviews and market analysis. An analyst might report that 'sales are twice what they were last quarter,' or a manager might schedule 'twice-monthly' check-ins. It is a word of growth and comparison. In retail, you’ll see it in promotions: 'Twice the value for half the price!' This marketing language relies on the immediate clarity of 'twice' to convey a bargain. It’s more effective than 'two times' because it sounds more integrated into the value proposition.

Business and Retail: Used for growth metrics and value-based marketing: 'Twice the storage of the previous model.'

In casual social settings, 'twice' is often used in storytelling to emphasize surprise or disbelief. 'I had to look twice to make sure it was really him!' is a common expression used when someone sees something unexpected. It also appears in parenting and discipline: 'I shouldn't have to ask you twice!' This use of 'twice' signals that a boundary has been reached and that further repetition will lead to consequences. From the screen of a smartphone ('Tap twice to like') to the pages of a classic novel, 'twice' is a word that bridges the gap between technical instruction and emotional emphasis.

You should always check twice before crossing a busy street.

Social Interaction: Used to express double-checking or emphasizing a command: 'I won't say it twice!'

The athlete has won the gold medal twice in the last four years.

The recipe was so good that I made it twice in one week.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is using 'twice' with 'more' in a comparative sense. Phrases like 'twice more than' or 'twice more expensive' are common but technically incorrect or confusing. In English, 'twice as much as' is the standard. If you say something is 'twice more', some might interpret it as the original amount plus two times that amount (totaling three times), whereas 'twice as much' clearly indicates a 2:1 ratio. To avoid ambiguity, always stick to the 'twice as [adjective] as' formula.

The 'More' Trap: Avoid: 'He is twice more tall.' Correct: 'He is twice as tall.'

Incorrect: This phone is twice more expensive. Correct: This phone is twice as expensive.

Another common mistake is the confusion between 'twice' and 'double'. While they are related, they are used differently in sentences. 'Double' is often a verb ('Double the recipe') or an adjective ('A double espresso'), whereas 'twice' is primarily an adverb of frequency or quantity. You cannot say 'I did it double'; you must say 'I did it twice'. Conversely, saying 'I want a twice espresso' is incorrect; it must be 'double'. Understanding that 'twice' describes the action's frequency while 'double' describes the state or amount of the object is key.

Twice vs. Double: Use 'twice' for the number of times an action occurs. Use 'double' for a quantity that is twofold.

Learners also struggle with the placement of 'twice' when using frequency phrases. A common error is 'I twice a week go to the gym.' In English, frequency adverbs like 'often' or 'usually' go before the verb, but specific frequency phrases like 'twice a week' almost always go at the end of the sentence. Keeping 'twice' at the end ensures the sentence flows naturally and follows standard English syntax. Lastly, remember that 'thrice' is very old-fashioned; if you need to say something happened three times, just say 'three times'. Using 'thrice' in a modern conversation can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel.

Incorrect: I twice saw him. Correct: I saw him twice.

Placement Error: Avoid placing 'twice' before the verb unless it's for very specific poetic emphasis. Usually, it goes at the end.

Incorrect: He is twice the tall of his brother. Correct: He is twice the height of his brother.

Incorrect: I have been there two times. (Not wrong, but twice is better).

While 'twice' is the most common way to express a count of two, several alternatives exist depending on the register and context of your communication. The most direct synonym is 'two times'. While 'two times' is perfectly grammatical, it is often seen as slightly more clinical or childish compared to the more fluid 'twice'. In mathematical or scientific writing, you might encounter 'twofold'. This word is usually an adjective or adverb that describes something having two parts or increasing by a factor of two (e.g., 'a twofold increase in productivity'). It carries a more formal, analytical tone than 'twice'.

Twice vs. Twofold: 'Twice' is for general frequency/quantity. 'Twofold' is for formal descriptions of increase or complexity.

The risks associated with the project were twofold.

Another related word is 'double'. As mentioned in the mistakes section, 'double' is versatile. It can be a verb ('to double the amount'), an adjective ('a double bed'), or a noun ('he is my double'). While 'twice' answers 'how many times?', 'double' often answers 'what kind?' or 'how much?'. In musical or theatrical contexts, you might hear the Latin term 'bis', which means 'twice' or 'again'. It is often shouted by audiences during an encore or written in musical scores to indicate a section should be repeated. While not used in daily conversation, it’s a fascinating cultural cousin to 'twice'.

Comparison Table

Twice: Frequency (I did it twice).
Double: Quantity/State (A double shot).
Twofold: Formal Increase (A twofold rise).
Two times: Literal count (Usually for emphasis).

For those looking to vary their vocabulary, 'again' can sometimes substitute for 'twice' if the context implies a second occurrence, though it doesn't specify the exact count as clearly. 'Once more' is another elegant alternative, often used when asking someone to repeat an action. 'I’ve told you twice' has a different emotional resonance than 'I’ve told you once more'. The former sounds like a count of errors, while the latter sounds like a final warning. Choosing between these words depends entirely on the level of precision and the 'vibe' you want to project in your English speaking.

The population has doubled in the last decade, meaning there are twice as many people.

Register and Tone: Neutral: Twice. Formal: Twofold. Literal: Two times. Artistic: Bis.

Please play that section once more for the conductor.

The results were twice as good as we hoped.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

English is one of the few languages that has a specific word for 'two times' (twice) and 'three times' (thrice), although 'thrice' is now rarely used. For any number higher than three, we must use the word 'times' (e.g., four times).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /twaɪs/

US /twaɪs/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

nice ice rice mice price advice slice vice dice

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'w' too softly, making it sound like 'tice'.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z' (twize).
Shortening the 'i' sound so it sounds like 'twiss'.
Adding an extra syllable (tuh-twice).
Confusing the 'tw' sound with 'th' (thrice).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a short, common word.

Writing 2/5

Slightly harder because of the spelling (the 'ice' ending) and the 'twice as... as' structure.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very natural to use in daily speech.

Listening 1/5

Clear sound, though can be confused with 'thrice' in very rare contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

one two once time day

Learn Next

double thrice frequency comparison twofold

Advanced

duplicity reiterate bilateral binary dualism

Grammar to Know

Adverbs of Frequency

I go to the gym twice a week.

Comparative Structures

She is twice as smart as her brother.

Predeterminers

He paid twice the amount.

Present Perfect for Experience

I have been to Japan twice.

Imperative with Count

Click the link twice.

Examples by Level

I go to the park twice a week.

Je vais au parc deux fois par semaine.

Placement: 'twice' comes after the activity and before the time period.

Please wash your hands twice.

S'il vous plaît, lavez-vous les mains deux fois.

Imperative use: 'twice' follows the object 'hands'.

He eats an apple twice a day.

Il mange une pomme deux fois par jour.

Subject-verb agreement: 'He eats' + frequency 'twice'.

I saw that movie twice.

J'ai vu ce film deux fois.

Past tense: 'saw' is the past of 'see'.

The bell rang twice.

La cloche a sonné deux fois.

Intransitive verb: 'twice' modifies the verb 'rang' directly.

Drink water twice every morning.

Buvez de l'eau deux fois chaque matin.

Instructional use: 'twice' specifies the count.

I called you twice yesterday.

Je t'ai appelé deux fois hier.

Time expression: 'yesterday' provides the context for 'twice'.

The cat jumped twice.

Le chat a sauté deux fois.

Simple action count.

This book is twice as long as that one.

Ce livre est deux fois plus long que celui-là.

Comparative: 'twice as + adjective + as'.

I've been to Paris twice.

Je suis allé à Paris deux fois.

Present Perfect: 'have been' indicates experience.

You should think twice before you buy it.

Tu devrais y réfléchir à deux fois avant de l'acheter.

Idiom: 'think twice' means to be cautious.

The train comes twice an hour.

Le train passe deux fois par heure.

Frequency: 'twice an hour' is a standard phrase.

She won the game twice in a row.

Elle a gagné le match deux fois de suite.

Phrase: 'in a row' means consecutively.

The room is twice the size of my kitchen.

La pièce fait deux fois la taille de ma cuisine.

Comparative: 'twice the + noun'.

I checked my email twice this morning.

J'ai vérifié mes e-mails deux fois ce matin.

Specific time frame: 'this morning'.

Don't make me ask you twice!

Ne me force pas à te le demander deux fois !

Warning: used to demand immediate action.

The cost of living is twice what it used to be.

Le coût de la vie est le double de ce qu'il était autrefois.

Comparative: 'twice what...' is a common B1 structure.

I've told him twice already, but he doesn't listen.

Je lui ai déjà dit deux fois, mais il n'écoute pas.

Emphasis: 'already' adds weight to 'twice'.

The recipe calls for the dough to be folded twice.

La recette demande que la pâte soit pliée deux fois.

Passive voice: 'to be folded' modified by 'twice'.

He is twice the man his brother is.

Il vaut deux fois son frère.

Idiomatic comparison of character.

The population has grown twice as fast as predicted.

La population a grandi deux fois plus vite que prévu.

Adverbial comparison: 'twice as fast as'.

I usually visit my grandparents twice a month.

Je rends généralement visite à mes grands-parents deux fois par mois.

Habitual action with frequency.

The medicine should be taken twice daily for a week.

Le médicament doit être pris deux fois par jour pendant une semaine.

Formal instruction: 'twice daily'.

She had to look twice to recognize him.

Elle a dû regarder à deux fois pour le reconnaître.

Phrase: 'look twice' indicates surprise.

The impact of the crisis was twice as severe as expected.

L'impact de la crise a été deux fois plus grave que prévu.

Formal comparison in a professional context.

Lightning rarely strikes twice in the same spot.

La foudre tombe rarement deux fois au même endroit.

Proverb: used to talk about probability and luck.

The company has twice the number of employees it had last year.

L'entreprise a deux fois plus d'employés que l'année dernière.

Complex noun phrase: 'twice the number of'.

He was twice-removed from the throne.

Il était éloigné de deux degrés du trône.

Genealogical term: 'twice-removed'.

I wouldn't think twice about helping a friend in need.

Je n'hésiterais pas une seconde à aider un ami dans le besoin.

Negative idiom: 'wouldn't think twice' means no hesitation.

The athlete has been crowned champion twice in his career.

L'athlète a été sacré champion deux fois dans sa carrière.

Career milestone frequency.

The new engine is twice as efficient as the previous model.

Le nouveau moteur est deux fois plus efficace que le modèle précédent.

Technical comparison.

They meet twice-weekly to discuss project updates.

Ils se réunissent deux fois par semaine pour discuter des mises à jour du projet.

Compound adjective: 'twice-weekly'.

The evidence suggests the risk is twice as high for smokers.

Les preuves suggèrent que le risque est deux fois plus élevé pour les fumeurs.

Scientific/Academic register.

She is twice the leader her predecessor ever was.

Elle est une bien meilleure dirigeante que son prédécesseur ne l'a jamais été.

Rhetorical comparison of quality.

The city has doubled in size twice in the last century.

La ville a doublé de taille deux fois au cours du siècle dernier.

Using 'twice' to describe a recurring process.

He was twice the age of most of his classmates.

Il avait deux fois l'âge de la plupart de ses camarades de classe.

Age comparison using 'twice the age'.

The melody is repeated twice before the chorus begins.

La mélodie est répétée deux fois avant que le refrain ne commence.

Describing structure in arts/music.

I have already told you twice; I will not repeat myself again.

Je vous l'ai déjà dit deux fois ; je ne me répéterai plus.

Finality and emphasis.

The value of the property is nearly twice the national average.

La valeur de la propriété est presque le double de la moyenne nationale.

Statistical comparison.

You only live twice, or so the saying goes.

On ne vit que deux fois, du moins c'est ce qu'on dit.

Literary/Pop culture reference.

The philosophical implications are twice-fold, affecting both ethics and logic.

Les implications philosophiques sont doubles, affectant à la fois l'éthique et la logique.

High-level analytical use.

He was a man of twice-told tales and half-remembered dreams.

C'était un homme aux histoires maintes fois racontées et aux rêves à moitié oubliés.

Literary/Poetic adjective use.

The complexity of the system is twice that of its predecessor.

La complexité du système est le double de celle de son prédécesseur.

Formal comparative structure: 'twice that of'.

Having failed twice at the summit, he was determined to succeed on his third attempt.

Ayant échoué deux fois au sommet, il était déterminé à réussir lors de sa troisième tentative.

Participial phrase indicating past frequency.

The legal repercussions could be twice as severe if intent is proven.

Les répercussions juridiques pourraient être deux fois plus graves si l'intention est prouvée.

Conditional legal phrasing.

The artist revisited the theme twice in her later years.

L'artiste a revisité le thème deux fois dans ses dernières années.

Describing artistic evolution.

Twice the effort does not always yield twice the result.

Le double d'effort ne donne pas toujours le double de résultat.

Aphoristic use of 'twice'.

She was twice-blessed with both talent and a tireless work ethic.

Elle a eu la double chance d'avoir à la fois du talent et une éthique de travail inlassable.

Metaphorical/Poetic use.

Synonyms

two times double doubly once more again

Antonyms

once never thrice

Common Collocations

twice daily

twice a week

twice as much

twice the size

think twice

twice-yearly

won twice

nearly twice

more than twice

called twice

Common Phrases

twice a day

— Something that happens in the morning and evening.

Brush your teeth twice a day.

twice as good

— Significantly better than something else.

This version is twice as good as the first one.

twice the price

— Costing double the amount of money.

The organic fruit is twice the price.

twice in a row

— Two times consecutively without a break.

They won the championship twice in a row.

don't ask twice

— A command to do something immediately without needing a reminder.

When I tell you to clean your room, don't make me ask twice!

twice-baked

— A cooking method where food is put in the oven two times.

I love twice-baked potatoes.

twice-told

— Something that has been heard or said many times before.

It was a twice-told tale that everyone knew.

twice removed

— A way to describe extended family relationships across generations.

He is my first cousin, twice removed.

look twice

— To look again because you are surprised or confused.

I had to look twice to see if it was really her.

twice-weekly

— Happening two times every week.

We have twice-weekly meetings on Mondays and Thursdays.

Often Confused With

twice vs double

'Double' is often a verb or adjective, while 'twice' is an adverb of frequency.

twice vs once

'Once' means one time; 'twice' means two times.

twice vs thrice

'Thrice' is three times but is very old-fashioned compared to 'twice'.

Idioms & Expressions

"think twice"

— To consider something very carefully before making a decision.

You should think twice before signing that contract.

neutral

"lightning never strikes twice"

— The idea that the same unusual or bad thing won't happen to the same person again.

I know you're worried about another accident, but lightning never strikes twice.

informal

"once bitten, twice shy"

— Being cautious about doing something again because it went badly the first time.

After his business failed, he was once bitten, twice shy about investing again.

neutral

"if I've told you once, I've told you twice"

— An exaggerated way to say 'I have told you many times'.

If I've told you once, I've told you twice: put your shoes away!

informal

"fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me"

— A proverb meaning you should learn from your mistakes and not be tricked the same way again.

I won't lend him money again. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

neutral

"twice the man"

— To be much better, stronger, or more capable than someone else.

He is twice the man his father was.

neutral

"kill two birds with one stone (related)"

— While not using 'twice', it relates to the concept of 'two' and efficiency.

I'll go to the bank on my way to the store and kill two birds with one stone.

informal

"twice-told tale"

— A story or event that is very familiar and has been repeated often.

His excuses for being late were a twice-told tale.

literary

"don't think twice"

— Do not hesitate or worry about something.

If you need help, don't think twice about calling me.

neutral

"twice as nice"

— Used to describe something that is even better when doubled.

Having twins is twice the work, but twice as nice.

informal

Easily Confused

twice vs double

Both relate to the number two.

Twice refers to how many times an action happens. Double refers to the quantity or size being twofold.

I did it twice (action). I want a double portion (quantity).

twice vs two times

They mean exactly the same thing.

Twice is a single word and is generally preferred in natural English. Two times is more literal and sometimes sounds less fluent.

I saw him twice. (Better) I saw him two times. (Okay)

twice vs second

Both relate to the number two.

Second refers to the position in a sequence (1st, 2nd). Twice refers to the total count of occurrences.

This is the second time I have called (sequence). I called twice (total count).

twice vs twofold

Both mean two times.

Twofold is formal and often describes an increase or having two parts. Twice is for general frequency.

The risks are twofold. The price is twice as high.

twice vs dual

Both relate to two.

Dual means having two parts or aspects. Twice means happening two times.

He has dual citizenship. He visited the city twice.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Verb + Object + twice a [time].

I drink coffee twice a day.

Subject + have + past participle + twice.

I have seen this movie twice.

Something + is + twice as [adj] as + something.

My bag is twice as heavy as yours.

Something + is + twice the [noun] of + something.

The hotel is twice the price of the hostel.

Subject + should + think twice before + [verb-ing].

You should think twice before quitting.

Subject + Verb + twice in a row.

He won the race twice in a row.

Nearly/More than + twice + [comparison].

It was nearly twice as cold as yesterday.

Twice + [noun phrase] + [clause].

Twice the man his father was, he led the company to success.

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; it is one of the top 2000 words in English.

Common Mistakes

twice more than → twice as much as
Using 'more' with 'twice' is mathematically ambiguous. 'Twice as much' clearly means 2x.
I twice saw him. → I saw him twice.
Adverbs of specific frequency like 'twice' usually go at the end of the sentence.
twice times → twice
'Twice' already includes the meaning of 'times'. Saying both is redundant.
twice the tall → twice the height
After 'twice the', you must use a noun (height), not an adjective (tall).
a twice espresso → a double espresso
Use 'double' as an adjective for products or portions, not 'twice'.

Tips

Comparison Rule

Always use 'twice as... as' for adjectives and 'twice the... of' for nouns. This is the most common way to compare.

Natural Sounding

Use 'twice' instead of 'two times' to sound like a native speaker. It makes your sentences shorter and more rhythmic.

Dosage Frequency

When reading medicine bottles, 'twice daily' usually means once in the morning and once at night.

Caution

Use 'think twice' when you want to warn someone to be careful about a decision.

Clarity

If you want to be very clear in business, use 'twice-weekly' instead of 'bi-weekly' to avoid confusion.

Rhetoric

Repeating 'twice' in a speech can add emphasis, e.g., 'I asked him once, I asked him twice, but still no answer!'

Ending Sound

Make sure the 's' sound at the end of 'twice' is clear and sharp, not soft like a 'z'.

Multiplication

Remember that 'twice' always means multiplying by two. It's a useful word for statistics.

History

The 's' in 'twice' is an old way of making adverbs in English, similar to 'always' or 'sometimes'.

Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs work well with twice, like 'look over twice' or 'check through twice'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Two' and the word 'Ice'. 'Twice' sounds like 'Two-Ice'. Imagine two ice cubes in a glass.

Visual Association

Imagine a clock where the bell rings at 2:00 and then rings again immediately. Two rings = twice.

Word Web

Frequency Double Two Again Second Multiplier Repeat Pair

Challenge

Try to use the word 'twice' in three different sentences today: one about your routine, one about a comparison, and one using an idiom.

Word Origin

The word 'twice' comes from the Middle English word 'twies', which evolved from the Old English 'twiga' or 'twiwa'. The 's' at the end is an adverbial genitive suffix, which was common in Old English to turn nouns into adverbs of time or frequency.

Original meaning: The original meaning was literally 'two times'.

Germanic (Old English roots).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be careful using 'twice removed' in family discussions as it can be confusing for some.

In the UK and US, 'twice-yearly' is often used in business to describe financial reports or sales events.

The movie title 'You Only Live Twice'. The song 'Twice' by the band Little Dragon. The K-pop group named 'TWICE'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Medicine

Take twice daily
Apply twice a day
Exercise twice a week
Check your pulse twice

Shopping and Money

Twice the price
Twice as expensive
Twice the value
Nearly twice the cost

Daily Routine

I go there twice a month
I shower twice a day
I've seen it twice
Call me twice

Education and Learning

Read the text twice
Listen twice to the audio
Check your work twice
The class meets twice weekly

Sports and Games

He won twice
Twice in a row
Repeat the exercise twice
Double-tap or tap twice

Conversation Starters

"How many times a day do you check your phone? Is it more than twice?"

"Have you ever visited a country twice? Which one?"

"Do you think twice before buying something expensive?"

"Is your current home twice the size of your previous one?"

"What is something you have done twice today already?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a mistake you made twice and what you learned from it.

Describe a place you have visited twice. What changed between the first and second visit?

If you could live twice, what would you do differently in your second life?

Think about your favorite hobby. How often do you do it? Is it twice a week or more?

Write about a book or movie you have seen twice. Why did you watch it again?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'twice' is generally considered more natural and slightly more formal than 'two times' in written English. However, both are understood. In professional settings, 'twice' is the standard choice.

It is better to avoid 'twice more'. Instead, use 'twice as many' or 'twice as much'. 'Twice more' can be confusing—does it mean two times the amount, or the original amount plus two more?

Rarely. 'Thrice' is very old-fashioned. In modern English, you should say 'three times'. You might only see 'thrice' in old poems or very formal legal documents.

Not necessarily. 'Bi-weekly' is confusing because it can mean twice a week OR once every two weeks. 'Twice-weekly' always means two times every week, so it is a much clearer term to use.

Usually at the end. For example: 'I eat twice a day.' If you are comparing, it goes before the 'as': 'Twice as big as...'

In some structures like 'twice the amount', it acts as a predeterminer. It doesn't function as a typical noun that can be pluralized or take an adjective, but it occupies a noun-like position in quantity phrases.

It means that if you have a bad experience once, you will be very careful or 'shy' about doing it a second time. It's a very common English proverb.

It is spelled T-W-I-C-E. People sometimes forget the 'e' at the end or try to spell it with an 's' instead of a 'c'.

Yes, in math word problems, 'twice' means 'times 2'. For example, 'If X is 5, what is twice X?' The answer is 10.

No, that is incorrect. 'Twice' already means 'two times', so saying 'twice times' is like saying 'two times times'. Just say 'twice'.