Double Check vs. Doublecheck – Which is Correct?
The generally preferred and more formal spelling for both the verb and noun meaning “to verify again” is double check (two words). While doublecheck (one word) is increasingly used, primarily as a verb, it is considered less formal and less traditional. For clarity and professional contexts, adhering to the two-word form is recommended.
Double Check or Doublecheck – Which is Correct?
When deciding between double check and doublecheck, the distinction lies primarily in formality, tradition, and part of speech. Double check, written as two separate words, is the established and widely accepted form for both the verb (to verify something a second time) and the noun (the act of verifying again). It emphasizes the two distinct components of the action: applying a “double” verification to a “check.”
Doublecheck, written as a single, closed compound word, has gained some traction, particularly as a verb. However, it is generally considered a less formal or newer variant and is not as universally accepted as the two-word form. While not strictly incorrect in all contexts, especially in casual writing, its usage is less common and may be perceived as a misspelling by some readers or spell checkers. For formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications, double check remains the safer and more appropriate choice.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, think of “double” as an adjective or adverb modifying “check.” Just as you wouldn’t typically write “redcar” for “red car” or “quicklyrun” for “quickly run,” the two-word form double check maintains the distinct identity of each word, making the meaning clearer. The “double” specifies the nature of the “check.” If you can insert an implied “a” or “the” between the words (e.g., “a double check”), it reinforces the two-word spelling.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| double check | Verb, Noun | (Verb) To review or verify something a second time; (Noun) The act of reviewing or verifying a second time. | “Please double check the figures before submitting the report.” (Verb) “A quick double check saved us from making a costly error.” (Noun) |
| doublecheck | Verb | (Verb) To review or verify something a second time (less formal variant). | “I need to doublecheck the inventory before closing.” (Verb) |
How to Use Double Check
The term double check is highly versatile and can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to scrutinize or verify something a second time to ensure accuracy or completeness. This usage is common in professional, academic, and technical contexts where precision is paramount. As a noun, it refers to the act or process of performing such a verification.
The tone associated with double check is generally neutral to formal, emphasizing diligence and thoroughness. It is the preferred spelling in most style guides for clarity and adherence to traditional English grammar.
Example 1 (Verb): “Before sending out the invitations, she decided to double check all the addresses.”
Example 2 (Noun): “The quality assurance team performs a final double check on all outgoing products.”
Example 3 (Verb): “It’s always wise to double check your calculations, especially with complex equations.”
What are the different forms of Double Check?
As a verb, “double check” follows regular conjugation patterns. As a noun, it forms a regular plural.
- Present Tense (Verb): I/you/we/they double check, he/she/it double checks
- Past Tense (Verb): double checked
- Present Participle (Verb): double checking
- Past Participle (Verb): double checked
- Noun (Singular): double check
- Noun (Plural): double checks
Etymology of the word Double Check
The term “double check” is a compound phrase formed from two distinct words. “Double” originates from the Old French doble and Latin duplus, meaning “twofold” or “twice as much.” “Check” comes from the Old French eschec, a term from chess referring to a situation where the king is under attack. Over time, “check” evolved to mean “a stop,” “a restraint,” and eventually “an examination to verify accuracy.” The combination “double check” emerged to signify a repeated or secondary examination for verification, emphasizing the thoroughness of the review process.
How to Use Doublecheck
The single-word form, doublecheck, functions primarily as a verb, meaning to verify something a second time. While its usage is growing, particularly in digital communication and less formal contexts, it is generally not as widely accepted as the two-word form, double check. It often appears in situations where compound verbs are preferred for brevity or a more streamlined appearance.
The tone associated with doublecheck is typically informal to semi-formal. It’s less common in highly formal documents but can be found in everyday professional emails, internal communications, or online content. Many spell checkers may flag it as incorrect, reinforcing the preference for the two-word variant.
Example 1: “Could you quickly doublecheck the meeting schedule for tomorrow?”
Example 2: “I always doublecheck my spelling before hitting send.”
Example 3: “The technician will doublecheck the wiring to ensure safety.”
What are the different forms of Doublecheck?
As a verb, “doublecheck” follows regular conjugation patterns.
- Present Tense (Verb): I/you/we/they doublecheck, he/she/it doublechecks
- Past Tense (Verb): doublechecked
- Present Participle (Verb): doublechecking
- Past Participle (Verb): doublechecked
Etymology of the word Doublecheck
The single-word form “doublecheck” is a modern evolution of the more traditional “double check.” Its etymology is fundamentally the same as the two-word phrase, deriving from the concepts of “twofold” (double) and “examination” (check). The consolidation into a single word reflects a common linguistic trend in English where frequently paired words eventually merge into closed compounds (e.g., “setup” from “set up,” “takeaway” from “take away”). This process often occurs as a term becomes more established and its components are perceived as a single conceptual unit, though the transition may not be universally accepted for all such compounds.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps clarify the nuances between “double check” and “doublecheck,” particularly regarding how words combine in English.
- Compound Words: These are words formed by combining two or more existing words. They can appear in three forms: open (two words, e.g., “ice cream”), hyphenated (e.g., “sister-in-law”), or closed (one word, e.g., “sunflower”). The debate between “double check” and “doublecheck” highlights the ongoing evolution and often inconsistent nature of compound word formation in English.
- Verb Phrases vs. Compound Verbs: “Double check” is a verb phrase, where “double” acts as an adverb modifying the verb “check.” “Doublecheck” is an attempt to create a closed compound verb. Many verb phrases (like “set up,” “break down”) remain open, while others consolidate. The preference for “double check” reflects its established status as a verb phrase.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “It’s always a good idea to double check your work before you submit it.” – The Chicago Manual of Style (referencing general advice)
- “They had to double check the coordinates multiple times to ensure the satellite launch was precise.” – From a news report on space exploration.
- “A final double check of the emergency equipment is standard procedure before every flight.” – An aviation safety manual.
- “Could you please double check that the doors are locked before you leave?” – A common instruction in daily life.
- “The auditor’s job is to double check every transaction for discrepancies.” – From a business textbook.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- Please ______ the oven temperature before baking. (double check / doublecheck)
- The engineer performed a final ______ on the bridge structure. (double check / doublecheck)
- I need to ______ my luggage for prohibited items. (double check / doublecheck)
- A thorough ______ of the contract terms is essential. (double check / doublecheck)
- Did you remember to ______ the spelling of everyone’s name? (double check / doublecheck)
Answer Key
- double check (verb phrase, preferred)
- double check (noun phrase, preferred)
- double check (verb phrase, preferred)
- double check (noun phrase, preferred)
- double check (verb phrase, preferred)
Double Check Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Re-examine | To examine again, especially for verification or correction. |
| Verify | To confirm that something is true, accurate, or justified. |
| Cross-reference | To check information by comparing it with information from another source. |
| Review | To look over something again, typically for inspection or correction. |
| Confirm | To establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed, suspected, or stated. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “doublecheck” ever considered fully correct?
While “doublecheck” (one word) is used, particularly as a verb in informal contexts, it is not universally considered fully correct or formal. Most style guides and traditional grammar resources prefer “double check” (two words) for both verb and noun forms.
Question 2: Does “double check” need a hyphen?
Generally, “double check” does not require a hyphen when used as a verb (e.g., “Please double check your work”). When used as a compound adjective before a noun, it typically is hyphenated (e.g., “a double-check system”). However, as a standalone noun, it remains two words (e.g., “perform a double check”).
Question 3: What’s the noun form of “double check”?
The noun form is “double check” (two words), referring to the act of verifying something a second time. For example, “A final double check revealed the error.”
Conclusion
In the ongoing evolution of the English language, the choice between double check and doublecheck highlights a common tension between tradition and emergent usage. While “doublecheck” (one word) is a growing, less formal variant, especially as a verb, double check (two words) remains the established, preferred, and more formal spelling for both the verb and noun forms. Opting for “double check” ensures clarity, adheres to most conventional style guides, and maintains a professional tone in your writing.
Pro Tip: When in doubt about compound words, especially in formal or professional communication, consult a reputable style guide or dictionary. Consistency in your writing choices helps build your credibility and ensures your message is received as intended.
