calculating to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculating to" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing the process of determining or estimating something, but it is not standard. Example: "The engineer is calculating to find the optimal load for the structure."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If Mr. Djindjic today looks amoral and calculating to some, Mr. Kostunica looks weak and ineffectual.

The New York Times

The heroine had to be calculating to compensate for her lack of a dowry.

The New York Times

The group's admitted emphasis on preaching the gospel to well-educated, professionally successful people has made it seem overly calculating to some Catholics and elitist to others.

The New York Times

The two men may be calculating to garner support and then withdraw in favor of the president closer to election time, as candidates have done in the past.

The New York Times

Many women must have panicked in these circumstances, and might afterwards have seemed "calculating" to a male judge, when what they were was totally traumatised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even Alice's young paramour is sufficiently calculating to advertise that his scholarly discipline promises what others can't: "Philosophy students make the best lovers," John tells her.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

His portraits are calculated to appeal.

The New York Times - Arts

It is also, correctly, calculated to charm.

The Guardian - Film

Everything is perfectly calculated to play to pre-adolescents' obsessions.

The New York Times

His argument was calculated to appeal to her scientific instinct.

The New Yorker

"It was all calculated to mislead," Mr. Herr said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "calculating to" with stronger alternatives such as "in order to calculate", "aiming to calculate", or "intending to calculate" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "calculating to" when describing strategic or manipulative behavior. Instead, opt for alternatives like "planning", "scheming", or "strategizing" to convey the intended meaning more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calculating to" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. It connects an action with its goal of performing a calculation. Ludwig AI highlights that this usage, while grammatically correct, is not especially common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calculating to" expresses the intention of performing a calculation or assessment. Ludwig AI data shows that while grammatically correct, the phrase is not particularly common, especially compared to alternatives like "in order to calculate" or "aiming to calculate". Source analysis indicates its prevalence in news and media, as well as science. While usage is grammatically sound, the phrase might sound awkward in certain contexts. For enhanced clarity, consider opting for stronger alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to calculate

This alternative explicitly states the intention of performing a calculation.

with the aim of calculating

This phrase emphasizes the goal or objective behind the calculation.

intending to calculate

This option highlights the intent or plan to perform a calculation.

for the purpose of calculating

This alternative clearly defines the reason for carrying out a calculation.

so as to calculate

This phrase uses a more formal tone to indicate the reason for calculating.

to compute

A more concise and direct way of saying to calculate.

to determine by calculation

Emphasizes the use of calculation as the method of determination.

planning to calculate

Focuses on the planning stage before performing the calculation.

with a view to calculating

A formal alternative, indicating consideration towards calculation.

designed to calculate

This suggests that something was specifically created for calculation purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "calculating to" in a sentence?

While less common, "calculating to" is used to express the purpose or intention of performing a calculation. For example: "We are calculating to determine the optimal budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to using "calculating to"?

You can use alternatives like "in order to calculate", "with the aim of calculating", or "intending to calculate" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "calculating to"?

Yes, "calculating to" is grammatically correct, but it can sound awkward in some contexts. Ludwig AI suggests that it's less commonly used and might benefit from being replaced with a clearer alternative.

When is it appropriate to use "calculating to"?

"Calculating to" is most appropriate when you want to explicitly state that the purpose of an action is to perform a calculation or assessment. However, consider using more common and clearer alternatives such as "so as to calculate" or "in order to calculate".