amounts to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amounts to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is equivalent to or results in a particular action or outcome. Example: "His refusal to participate amounts to doing nothing to help the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Pandering for votes on this issue, while offering no solution to the problem, amounts to doing nothing," Mr. McCain plans to say.

The New York Times

Second, that Germany, whether it likes it or not, is in the driving seat and the present course amounts to "doing the minimum to hold the euro together".

The Guardian - Business

As has been all too obvious at White Hart Lane in recent seasons, success for Spurs amounts to cracking the Champions League, and success beyond their wildest dreams only amounts to doing so at the expense of Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

If feminist science amounts to "doing science as a feminist"—that is, using science to answer questions generated by feminist interests—one may ask whether it differs in any substantive respect from the science that is already practiced by nonfeminists.

SEP

If intention is a mental state in relation to which doing A amounts to doing A intentionally, or with the further intention of doing B, that fact would unify the modes of intention with which we began.

SEP

This amounts to doing customer service for anyone and everyone encountering rental car related mishaps in any English speaking part of the world.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But coffee doesn't seem, in reasonable amounts, to do any harm at all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In reality, it amounts to don't ask, don't tell.

The New York Times - Sports

"Even those agencies that get government money don't get sufficient amounts to do quality programs, so family foundations and the community foundation can make a huge difference".

The New York Times

Trying to do everything will still amount to doing nothing.

The New York Times

We still have a huge amount to do.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amounts to doing" when you want to clearly state that one action is effectively the same as another, especially when simplifying a complex situation or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "amounts to doing" in contexts where a more direct, active voice would make your writing more impactful. For example, instead of "The policy change amounts to doing nothing," consider "The policy change achieves nothing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amounts to doing" functions as a verb phrase indicating equivalence or result. Ludwig shows its usage in expressing that a particular action or series of actions is effectively the same as another, often simpler, action. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "amounts to doing" is a grammatically correct way to express that one action is equivalent to another. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's commonly used in news and media to simplify complex situations. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain contexts. When writing, be mindful of using a direct voice when possible, and remember that Ludwig can provide real-world examples to guide your usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equivalent to doing

Emphasizes the equal value or effect of the action.

is the same as doing

Highlights the identical nature of the action.

is tantamount to doing

Indicates a near equivalence, often with negative connotations.

results in doing

Focuses on the action as a consequence or outcome.

leads to doing

Suggests a cause-and-effect relationship with the action as the end result.

involves doing

Highlights the action as a necessary component or element.

constitutes doing

Identifies the action as a defining part of something larger.

is effectively doing

Implies that, while not explicitly stated, the action is happening in practice.

comes down to doing

Reduces a complex situation to its core action.

is nothing more than doing

Emphasizes the simplicity or lack of additional factors in the action.

FAQs

What does "amounts to doing" mean?

The phrase "amounts to doing" means that something is equivalent to, or effectively the same as, performing a particular action. It signifies that the overall result or consequence can be summarized by that action.

How can I use "amounts to doing" in a sentence?

You can use "amounts to doing" to show that a complex situation can be reduced to a single, summarizing action. For example, "His lack of effort "amounts to doing" nothing to help the project succeed."

What are some alternatives to "amounts to doing"?

Alternatives include "is equivalent to doing", "is the same as doing", or "is tantamount to doing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "amounts to doing" formal or informal?

"Amounts to doing" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal synonyms like "constitutes doing" might be preferred in highly formal writing.