do the amounts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do the amounts" is not standard in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in contexts where one is referring to performing calculations or actions related to specific quantities or figures. Example: "Before we finalize the budget, we need to do the amounts to ensure everything adds up correctly."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Do the amounts of recalcitrant components of soil organic matter (SOM) vary with landscape position?

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

As those countries' populations — and their prosperous middle classes — grow, so too do the amounts of meat-based protein they consume.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That limited the amount of lending bankers could do, the amount of risk they could take on, and therefore the amount of profit they could make.

The New Yorker

As the electronic music community grows, so do the amount of DJs producers in the scene.

Huffington Post

Fortunately, many parents do survive this tragic loss, but when they do, the amount of support they need is significant.

Huffington Post

But she's not sure that it has anything to do the amount of pineapple she eats.

Vice

THE NEW YORKER: Does the amount of the judgment seem surreal?

The New Yorker

Does the amount of money being asked trouble you?

The New York Times

No offense does the amount of movements and shifts across the board that we do.

The New York Times - Sports

How does the amount of radiation change as the number of radioactive atoms decreases?

The Guardian

Their intent and capabilities remain unknown, as does the amount of anthrax available to them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do the amounts", ensure the context is clear, as it's not a standard expression. Consider alternatives like "calculate the totals" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "do the amounts" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "calculate the sums" or "determine the quantities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do the amounts" functions as a verb phrase where "do" acts as a verb indicating the performance of an action upon "the amounts", which serves as the direct object. However, as pointed out by Ludwig, the phrase is not standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do the amounts" is a non-standard expression that generally means to calculate or determine specific quantities. Ludwig indicates that it is not a typical phrase in written English. While grammatically acceptable, it is best to use clearer and more formal alternatives like "calculate the totals" or "determine the quantities" in professional or academic contexts. Its usage appears sparingly in news and scientific domains, suggesting it's more suited for informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculate the sums

Replaces "amounts" with "sums" and "do" with "calculate", focusing on arithmetic.

compute the totals

Substitutes "do" with "compute" and "amounts" with "totals", emphasizing calculation.

work out the figures

Replaces "do" with "work out" and "amounts" with "figures", implying a problem-solving approach.

determine the quantities

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "do" with "determine" and "amounts" with "quantities".

ascertain the measurements

Focuses on the act of measuring and finding out specific amounts.

reckon the values

A less common, slightly archaic alternative that emphasizes estimation and judgement.

itemize the quantities

Shifts the focus to listing and detailing each amount individually.

enumerate the figures

Similar to itemizing, but with a stronger emphasis on numerical figures.

tabulate the sums

Suggests organizing the amounts in a table or list format.

assess the levels

Focuses on judging the degree or extent of the amounts, rather than calculating them directly.

FAQs

What does "do the amounts" mean?

"Do the amounts" generally means to calculate or figure out the total or sum of certain quantities. It is not considered a formal or standard English phrase.

What can I say instead of "do the amounts"?

You can use alternatives like "calculate the sums", "compute the totals", or "work out the figures" depending on the context.

Is "do the amounts" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "do the amounts" is not a standard or widely recognized English phrase. It's better to use clearer alternatives in most situations.

When is it appropriate to use "do the amounts"?

It might be appropriate in informal conversation where the context makes the meaning clear. However, in formal writing or professional settings, it's best to avoid "do the amounts" and use more precise and common expressions.