counts as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counts as" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is considered to be equivalent to or representative of something else. Example: "Completing this assignment counts as extra credit." Alternative expressions include "is regarded as," "is considered to be," and "qualifies as."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The personality counts as well.

WikiHow

The company's reputation counts as well.

WikiHow

Gardening counts as exercise.

The New York Times

What counts as overweight?

The New Yorker

Even that counts as progress.

The Economist

WHAT counts as racist abuse?

The Economist

That counts as another mystery.

The New Yorker

But what counts as "legitimate"?

The New York Times

This still counts as progress.

The Economist

That surely counts as success.

The Economist

Nationality counts, as does politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counts as" to categorize an action or item under a broader definition, especially when that classification might be surprising, such as 'Gardening "counts as" exercise'.

Common error

Avoid adding 'to be' after the phrase. Writing 'this counts as to be a success' is ungrammatical; use 'this counts as a success' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counts as" functions as a linking verb phrase that establishes a relationship of equivalence or categorization between a subject and a predicate nominative. In the linguistic data provided by Ludwig, it serves to define the boundaries of concepts, such as identifying what specifically constitutes 'exercise' or 'progress'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "counts as" is a highly efficient and reliable phrase for defining and categorizing subjects across all levels of English writing. According to data from Ludwig, it is particularly prevalent in journalism and instructional writing where clarity of definition is paramount. Whether you are describing what "counts as" a 'healthy lifestyle' or 'legal progress', the phrase acts as a bridge between a specific action and a broader concept. While it is grammatically simple, its versatility allows it to function effectively in both casual and academic registers without the need for complex synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualifies as

Implies meeting a specific set of criteria or standards.

is considered

Suggests a consensus or subjective judgment rather than a definitive rule.

amounts to

Used when describing the cumulative effect or significance of something.

constitutes

More formal, often used in legal or technical definitions.

ranks as

Positions the subject within a hierarchy or list of importance.

serves as

Focuses on the function or role the subject performs.

is regarded as

Indicates how something is perceived by a specific group.

functions as

Emphasizes the practical utility or operation of the subject.

represents

Suggests that the subject is a symbol or example of a larger concept.

is classified as

Used specifically within taxonomies or organized systems of categorization.

FAQs

How do I use "counts as" in a sentence?

You can use "counts as" to indicate that one thing is equivalent to another in a specific context. For example: "In many offices, an email "counts as" a formal record."

What is the difference between "counts as" and "qualifies as"?

While similar, "counts as" is often more general, whereas "qualifies as" implies that the subject has successfully met rigorous or official requirements.

Can I use "counts as" in formal writing?

Yes, it is highly versatile. However, in very formal academic or legal papers, you might prefer "constitutes" or "is classified as" for precision.

Is "counts as" the same as "accounts for"?

No. "counts as" is for categorization, while "accounts for" means to explain the cause or to represent a portion of a total.