it amounts to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it amounts to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation that is essentially the same as something else, or that has the same result as something else. Example sentence: "The cost of the new laptop and other peripherals amounts to nearly $500."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It amounts to nothing.

The New York Times - Books

It amounts to a whitewash".

Independent

That's what it amounts to".

The New Yorker

It amounts to theft.

The Guardian - Money

It amounts to more than that now.

The New Yorker

That is what it amounts to.

The Economist

It amounts to cutting spending twice.

The New York Times

It amounts to much the same thing.

The New Yorker

But it amounts to the same thing.

The New York Times

Basically, it amounts to psychological waterboarding.

The New York Times

"It amounts to a bigoted pogrom".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it amounts to" when you want to simplify a complex situation or argument down to its core essence.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "it amounts to" excessively in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it amounts to" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a preceding statement with its ultimate consequence, summary, or equivalent. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, highlighting its role in simplifying complex ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it amounts to" is a versatile linking phrase used to express equivalence, simplification, or the ultimate consequence of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, more precise alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly formal writing. Its primary function is to clarify the essential point, as demonstrated across numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is tantamount to

Emphasizes the equivalence in effect or value more strongly.

it is equivalent to

Highlights the equal value or measure between two things.

it boils down to

Focuses on reducing something complex to its simplest form or core issue.

it signifies

Emphasizes the meaning or implication of something.

it represents

Indicates that something stands for or embodies something else.

it constitutes

Highlights that something is a part of a whole or fulfills a specific condition.

it is in effect

Indicates the practical consequence or outcome.

it translates to

Emphasizes the conversion or result in different terms.

it adds up to

Focuses on the cumulative effect or total result.

it implies

Suggests a conclusion without explicitly stating it.

FAQs

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

You can use "it amounts to" to express that something is essentially the same as something else or results in the same outcome. For example, "Spending all day playing video games it amounts to wasting valuable time".

What are some alternatives to "it amounts to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is tantamount to", "it boils down to", or "it represents" depending on the context.

Is "it amounts to" formal or informal?

"It amounts to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic writing.

What's the difference between "it amounts to" and "it results in"?

"It amounts to" implies equivalence or simplification, while "it results in" focuses more on the direct consequence or outcome of an action or situation. For instance, failing to study "it results in" a poor grade, but simplifying the problem "it amounts to" understanding its core components.