amounts to

USAGE SUMMARY

"amounts to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "amounts to" to indicate that something is equal to a certain amount after it has been calculated or considered. For example, "The total cost of the project amounts to $25,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It amounts to nothing.

The New York Times - Books

That amounts to pure hypocrisy.

The New York Times

It amounts to a whitewash".

Independent

That's what it amounts to".

The New Yorker

"That amounts to irregular accounts".

The New York Times

It amounts to theft.

The Guardian - Money

It amounts to more than that now.

The New Yorker

That amounts to 47 cents per unit.

The New York Times

That is what it amounts to.

The Economist

This amounts to a sea change.

The New York Times

This bland phrase amounts to a revolution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amounts to" when you want to express that a calculation or series of events culminates in a specific result or consequence. It adds a sense of finality or conclusion to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "amounts to" when you intend to provide a rough estimate or a general idea. Use more appropriate phrases like "is approximately" or "is around" when precision isn't required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amounts to" functions as a phrasal verb, primarily used to express equivalence or consequence. It commonly indicates that a calculation, series of actions, or situation leads to a specific sum or result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies reaching a calculated or considered amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "amounts to" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a calculation, series of events, or situation culminates in a specific result or consequence. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It functions primarily to express equivalence or consequence, serving to quantify, summarize, or conclude. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, with authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, and The New Yorker providing numerous examples. Remember to use "amounts to" when accuracy is important and avoid it for rough estimates, opting for phrases like "is approximately" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equivalent to

Highlights a direct correspondence or equality in measure or value.

is equal to

Focuses on numerical or measurable equality between two things.

comes to

Similar to "adds up to", but can also refer to an eventual outcome or result.

is tantamount to

Emphasizes the equivalence in effect or value, often implying a negative consequence.

adds up to

Implies a calculation or accumulation resulting in a specific total or outcome.

constitutes

Suggests that something forms or composes a larger whole or category.

represents

Indicates that something symbolizes or embodies a particular value or quantity.

is essentially

Indicates the fundamental or intrinsic nature of something.

boils down to

Suggests reducing a complex issue to its most basic or essential elements.

is no different from

Highlights the lack of distinction or variance between two things.

FAQs

How do I use "amounts to" in a sentence?

Use "amounts to" to express that something is equivalent to a particular sum or result after calculation or consideration. For example, "The repairs "amounts to" $500" indicates the total cost is $500.

What can I say instead of "amounts to"?

You can use alternatives like "is equal to", "represents", "constitutes", or "adds up to" depending on the context. For instance, "The fine "is equal to" $1000" serves as a substitute.

Is it correct to say "amount to" instead of "amounts to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "amounts to" with singular subjects (e.g., "The cost amounts to...") and "amount to" with plural subjects (e.g., "The costs amount to...").

What's the difference between "amounts to" and "boils down to"?

"Amounts to" indicates a specific sum or result, while "boils down to" suggests reducing a complex issue to its essence. For example, "The problem "boils down to" lack of funding" shows the core issue.