Meaning & use
multiplying
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“multiplying” is a form of “multiply”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbtransitive or intransitive
The present participle of 'multiply'; increasing in number or calculating the product of numbers.
Grammar: Used after 'be' for continuous tenses or as a gerund: The cells are multiplying. Multiplying is easy.
Patterns
- be multiplying
- multiplying something by something
- multiplying numbers
The bacteria are multiplying quickly in the warm room.
She is multiplying 12 by 8 in her head.
Multiplying fractions can be tricky at first.
Word forms
| base form | multiply |
|---|---|
| third person singular | multiplies |
| past tense | multiplied |
| past participle | multiplied |
| -ing form | multiplying |
Common combinations
- multiplying by
- You get the area by multiplying the length by the width.
- rapidly multiplying
- The rapidly multiplying cells caused concern.
- multiplying numbers
- Multiplying numbers is easier with a calculator.
Synonyms and how they differ
- increasing
- Similar when talking about numbers growing, but 'increasing' does not mean doing a multiplication calculation.
- reproducing
- Used for living things making more of themselves; 'multiplying' can also mean this but is broader.
Opposites
Word family
- multiply verb
- To increase in number or to calculate a product.
- multiplication noun
- The process of multiplying numbers.
- multiple adjective
- Having or involving more than one.
Commonly confused: multiplying or multiplication?
multiplying vs multiplication
'Multiplication' is the noun (the operation), while 'multiplying' is the -ing verb form (the action).
Practice
Which sentence uses 'multiplying' correctly?
Choose one answer.
After 'are', we need the -ing form 'multiplying' to make the present continuous. 'Multiply' is the base form, 'multiplies' is third person singular, and 'multiplication' is a noun, so none of them fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “multiplying”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.