amount to less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amount to less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing quantities, values, or measurements that do not reach a certain threshold. Example: "The total expenses for the project amount to less than $5,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Liquid reserves amount to less than a month's imports.

The Economist

Police bribes amount to less than 10percentt of his income.

The New York Times

Carnegie notes that Yukos's contributions amount to less than 3percentt of its annual budget.

The New York Times

Even for long-distance commuters, the saving will amount to less than £1 per week.

The Guardian

Their liabilities amount to less than 5% of their assets, compared with over 16% in America.

The Economist

China's direct investments abroad, in firms and factories, amount to less than Sweden's.

The Economist

In these states, too, lottery proceeds amount to less than 5percentt of the total education financing.

The New York Times

Residential appeals used to total about $25 million a year, he added, and now amount to less than half that.

The New York Times

In fact, if A.I.G.'s bailouts totaled $100, these bonuses would amount to less than a dime.

The New York Times

Does this couple, like every other devoted couple, amount to less than the sum of its parts?

The Guardian - Arts

In addressing the shortfall, Mr. Pataki said the coming budget would amount to less than the current one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing numerical values, ensure the units of measurement are consistent for accurate comparisons. For example, compare percentages to percentages, or dollars to dollars when stating that something "amount to less than" something else.

Common error

Avoid using "amount to less than" when describing proportions without clarifying the whole. For instance, instead of saying "the cost amounts to less than 5%", specify "the cost amounts to less than 5% of the total budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amount to less than" functions as a quantitative comparison, indicating that a certain value, quantity, or degree is smaller or lower than a specified threshold. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "amount to less than" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a quantity or value is smaller than a specified amount. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for use in written English. As illustrated by the numerous examples, it is frequently employed in news and media, encyclopedias and science contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure units of measurement are consistent when comparing values, and avoid using the phrase without specifying the whole when describing proportions. Consider alternative expressions such as "total under" or "fall short of" for varied phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are smaller than

Directly states a smaller size or quantity.

are lower than

Indicates a value or level that is not as high.

total under

Focuses on the final sum being below a certain value.

are fewer than

Specifically refers to a smaller number of items.

come in under

Implies successfully staying below a budget or estimate.

fall short of

Emphasizes the failure to reach a particular target or level.

are below

Indicates a position lower than a specified level or standard.

do not exceed

Highlights the limit or boundary that is not surpassed.

measure below

Suggests a measurement that is lower than a specified amount.

are inferior to

Suggests a lower quality or status compared to something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "amount to less than" to indicate a smaller quantity?

You can use alternatives like "total under", "fall short of", or "are below" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "amount to less than" when discussing abstract concepts, not just numbers?

Yes, it's acceptable. For example, "His contribution amount to less than a gesture of goodwill", showing the significance of the action is minimal.

What's the difference between "amount to less than" and "amount to more than"?

While "amount to less than" indicates a quantity or value is smaller than a certain threshold, "amount to more than" suggests it exceeds that threshold.

Can I use "total to less than" instead of "amount to less than"?

Yes, "total to less than" can be used, especially when emphasizing the final sum or result being below a certain value. It works similarly but might sound slightly less formal.