amount to about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amount to about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest a rough approximation or estimation of a quantity or value. For example, "The cost of the project amounts to about $15,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These amount to about 11% of the country's GDP.

The Economist

Such reduction would amount to about 600 employees.

The Washington Post

which together amount to about $350 million.

The New York Times - Arts

Given abstentions, the new hurdle will amount to about 20%.

The Economist

For the industry, that would amount to about $30 billion.

The New York Times

Those transfers amount to about $500 million a year.

The New York Times

Overall revenues amount to about £15m per week.

The Guardian - Business

18%, while not that high, amount to about 21 seats.

The Guardian - Opinion

If so, the total payout will amount to about £3.6m.

The Guardian

These amount to about $4 billion a year.

The Washington Post

This is thought to amount to about 2,000 machines.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amount to about" when you want to provide an approximate figure, rather than an exact one. It's suitable when precision isn't crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "amount to about" excessively in contexts where exact figures are expected, such as financial reports or scientific data. In such scenarios, strive for precise numbers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amount to about" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to express an approximation or estimation. It quantifies a value or quantity without implying exactness, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "amount to about" is a versatile and commonly used expression for indicating approximations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts, especially News & Media. When using this phrase, remember that it implies an estimation rather than an exact figure. While the phrase is accepted in many settings, including professional contexts, more precise wording might be necessary when accuracy is crucial. Consider alternative phrases like "total approximately" or "roughly equal" for slight variations in meaning. As Ludwig's examples show, mastering the use of "amount to about" enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total approximately

Focuses on the final sum with an element of approximation.

roughly equal

Emphasizes the equivalence but with an acknowledgement of potential slight variation.

approximate to

A more formal alternative indicating a close estimation.

come to around

Highlights the process of reaching an approximate total.

be in the neighborhood of

Suggests a range or vicinity of a value rather than a precise figure.

estimated to be

Specifically denotes that the value is an educated guess.

work out at approximately

Indicates a calculated approximation after some process.

in the ballpark of

An informal way to indicate a value within a certain range.

total in the vicinity of

Emphasizes the final amount while suggesting an imprecise calculation.

number in the region of

Similar to 'in the neighborhood of', focusing on a numerical range.

FAQs

How can I use "amount to about" in a sentence?

You can use "amount to about" to express an approximation. For instance, "The project costs amount to about $10,000".

What's a more formal way to say "amount to about"?

A more formal alternative to "amount to about" is "approximate to".

Is it okay to use "amount to about" in professional writing?

Yes, "amount to about" is acceptable in professional writing when you need to provide an estimate. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of the document.

Which is a better alternative to "amount to about", "roughly equal" or "total approximately"?

Both "roughly equal" and "total approximately" are suitable alternatives depending on the context. "Roughly equal" is best used when comparing values, while "total approximately" is better for estimating a final sum.