Meaning & use
double entry bookkeeping
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountablebusinessfinance
A system of accounting in which every transaction is recorded in two accounts, with equal and opposite entries, so that total debits always equal total credits.
Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or a plural: 'Double entry bookkeeping is essential.'
Patterns
- use double entry bookkeeping
- double entry bookkeeping system
- principles of double entry bookkeeping
The company switched to double entry bookkeeping to improve accuracy.
In double entry bookkeeping, buying equipment on credit increases both an asset and a liability.
She teaches a course on double entry bookkeeping for small business owners.
Common combinations
- double entry bookkeeping system
- A double entry bookkeeping system helps prevent errors because every debit has a matching credit.
- principles of double entry bookkeeping
- The principles of double entry bookkeeping are taught in every introductory accounting class.
- double entry bookkeeping records
- Auditors carefully review the double entry bookkeeping records for any discrepancies.
- maintain double entry bookkeeping
- By law, public companies must maintain double entry bookkeeping.
Synonyms and how they differ
- double entry
- A shorter, informal way to refer to the same system; it is common in business conversation but less formal in written reports.
Opposites
Word family
- double entry noun
- The core principle of recording two entries for each transaction; often used as a short form.
- bookkeeping noun
- The general activity of recording financial transactions, which may or may not use the double entry method.
- bookkeeper noun
- A person whose job is to keep financial records, often using double entry bookkeeping.
Commonly confused: double entry bookkeeping or single entry bookkeeping?
double entry bookkeeping vs single entry bookkeeping
Single entry bookkeeping records each transaction only once, usually in a cash book, and is simpler but less reliable for checking errors.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'double entry bookkeeping' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option D is correct because 'double entry bookkeeping' is an uncountable noun that names a system, and the sentence describes its function. Option An is wrong because the noun is uncountable, so 'a' is not used. Option B is wrong because the verb should be singular ('is required'). Option C is wrong because the term is a noun, not a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “double entry bookkeeping”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.