in what amounts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in what amounts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the quantity or volume of something, often in contexts related to measurements, finances, or resources. Example: "In what amounts should I allocate the budget for each department?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ashley lives in what amounts to a shed.

The Guardian

In what amounts to a grown-up toy war, F.A.O.

The New York Times

Paul Schrader directed, in what amounts to a blackly comic variation on his 1997 "Affliction".

The New York Times - Arts

(In what amounts to a meta triple axel, Sacca provided Blumberg with this insight in "StartUp").

The New Yorker

Councils and developers have long been engaged in what amounts to a grand haggle.

The Guardian

Fox has been too cautious to invest properly in what amounts to trivial, marginal newness.

The Guardian

Supporters then forward these messages in what amounts to a political chain letter.

The New York Times

Today, we see independent institutions being axed in what amounts to false economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is much to see in what amounts to some 20 acres of cultivated land.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Inside the gallery, the engineers are engaged in what amounts to an endless struggle against nature.

The New Yorker

They whack into tar strips or rumpled surfaces in what amounts to a thunk-a-thon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in what amounts" to inquire about quantities, proportions, or the extent of something, particularly when seeking specific details or figures. This phrase is useful in formal writing and analytical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in what amounts" when a simpler question like "how much" or "how many" would suffice. "In what amounts" is best suited for situations where a nuanced understanding of proportions or allocations is needed, not just a general quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in what amounts" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question seeking to determine the quantity, proportion, or extent of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in what amounts" serves as a formal and precise way to inquire about quantities, proportions, or degrees, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's commonly employed in news, scientific, and business contexts when specifics are crucial. While versatile, "in what amounts" is best reserved for situations demanding a nuanced understanding, rather than simple quantification. Remember that alternatives like "how much" or "to what extent" may be suitable in many cases, depending on the register and desired level of specificity. The high frequency and diverse applications underscore its significance in formal English communication. Using this phrase demonstrates an analytical approach, making it valuable for clear and professional communication. Consider the context carefully to determine whether a formal or informal alternative may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in what quantity

Directly inquires about the amount of something, maintaining a similar level of formality.

what quantity of

A slightly more verbose but still direct way of inquiring about amount of something.

in what proportion

Specifically refers to the ratio or relative amount of something within a whole.

how much

A simpler and more direct way of asking about the quantity of something, generally less formal.

how many

Used to ask about the number of countable items, more specific than the general "in what amounts".

to what extent

Focuses on the degree or scope of something rather than the specific quantity.

in what volume

Highlights the space occupied by something, suitable when discussing liquids or gases.

to what degree

Emphasizes the intensity or level of something, slightly shifting the focus from pure quantity.

in what measure

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of asking about the quantity or proportion.

to what level

Focuses on the height or stage of something, implying a measurement of progress or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "in what amounts" in a sentence?

You can use "in what amounts" to inquire about the quantity or proportion of something. For example, "In what amounts should the budget be allocated to each department?" or "In what amounts are the ingredients used in this recipe?"

What can I say instead of "in what amounts"?

Alternatives to "in what amounts" include "how much", "in what quantity", or "to what extent", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "in what amounts" or "how much"?

"In what amounts" is generally more formal and specific than "how much". Use "in what amounts" when you need precise details about portions or allocations, whereas "how much" is suitable for general inquiries about quantity.

In what context is "in what amounts" most commonly used?

"In what amounts" is often used in formal settings such as business reports, academic papers, and news articles when discussing finances, resource allocation, or statistical data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in context such as "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business".