amount to nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amount to nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has no value, significance, or result. Example: "Despite all their efforts, the negotiations seemed to amount to nothing in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Your work will amount to nothing.

The New Yorker

"This won't amount to nothing.

The New York Times

"These charges amount to nothing but garbage.

The New York Times

Tahir's corner amount to nothing, however.

The Guardian - Sport

His second and third down attempts amount to nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

"We both knew it could amount to nothing".

The New York Times

You'd amount to nothing if it weren't for them.

The New Yorker

But, she said he told her, he always feared he would amount to nothing.

The New York Times

It was supposed to amount to nothing more than a good time".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In short, it's the kid you think is going to amount to nothing in their lives.

The Guardian

The leaves are aromatic and on a hot day you'll smell them, but they amount to nothing in the kitchen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "amount to nothing", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of result, value, or significance. Avoid using it in situations where there's merely a small or insignificant outcome, as it implies complete futility.

Common error

Avoid using "amount to nothing" when a situation yields a small or negligible result, as it implies total worthlessness. Instead, opt for phrases like "have little impact" or "make a small difference" to more accurately reflect the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amount to nothing" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically following a subject and verb. It signifies that something lacks value, consequence, or result. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, confirming its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "amount to nothing" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that conveys a lack of result, value, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with formal and business settings also being common. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates a complete absence of outcome, and avoid overstating insignificance when there's merely a small effect. Consider alternatives like "come to naught" or "be of no consequence" for nuanced expressions of futility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to nothing

A direct synonym, indicating a complete lack of result or progress.

come to naught

Emphasizes the failure of an effort or plan to produce any result.

be of no consequence

Highlights the lack of importance or significance.

prove fruitless

Stresses the lack of positive outcomes or results after effort.

be in vain

Focuses on the futility and lack of purpose in an action.

end in failure

Highlights the unsuccessful conclusion of an endeavor.

be to no avail

Emphasizes the lack of success despite effort or attempts.

not matter at all

Highlights the lack of importance or relevance.

be worthless

Indicates a lack of value or merit.

be pointless

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or reason.

FAQs

How can I use "amount to nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "amount to nothing" to describe situations where efforts, plans, or actions fail to produce any meaningful result. For example, "Despite their best efforts, the negotiations "amounted to nothing"."

What's a more formal way to say "amount to nothing"?

A more formal alternative to "amount to nothing" is "come to naught". This phrase carries a similar meaning but is often used in more formal or literary contexts.

Which is correct: "amounts to nothing" or "amount to nothing"?

"Amount to nothing" is used with plural subjects or in the infinitive form. "Amounts to nothing" is used with singular subjects. For example, "Their efforts "amount to nothing"," but "His contribution "amounts to nothing"."

What can I say instead of "amount to nothing"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "be of no consequence", "prove fruitless", or "be in vain", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.