it does not amount to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not amount to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not equivalent to or does not reach a certain level or significance. Example: "While the donation was generous, it does not amount to the total needed for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Though it does not amount to an expansion of its investigation into the 2011 Chevy Cruze for a possible fire hazard, N.H.T.S.A. is including Cruzes from the 2012 model year to aid in its probe.

The New York Times

But paradoxically, it does not amount to a win for Europe's native English-speakers.

The Economist

It does not amount to a serious grasp of the future.

The Guardian

The first thing to be noted about this proposal is that it does not amount to very much.

The New York Times

It does not amount to a fine because that implies a sanction and there have been no breaches.

The Guardian - Sport

That keeps technology-minded activists busy exchanging messages and tactics, but it does not amount to an orchestrated global push.The scene across Europe is similar.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But it doesn't amount to plagiarism".

The New York Times

BADILLO -- Yeah, but it doesn't amount to anything significant.

The New York Times

But it doesn't amount to a great deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It doesn't amount to statutory control of the press, says the Guardian.

The Guardian

It doesn't amount to criticism or memoir; it feels, actually, like clicking through an unusually highbrow Tumblr.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it does not amount to" to clearly and directly state that something does not reach a certain level, size, or importance. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where precision is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "it does not amount to" in overly casual settings where simpler phrases like "it's not much" or "it's not a big deal" would be more appropriate. The phrase's formality can sound stilted in relaxed conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not amount to" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of equivalence or attainment of a specific level. Ludwig shows that it's used to diminish the significance or impact of a subject, similar to saying something "falls short" or "is insignificant".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it does not amount to" is a useful tool for expressing that something lacks significance, quantity, or equivalence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase and is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's best reserved for situations where its level of formality is appropriate. Consider more casual alternatives like "it doesn't add up to" or "it isn't much" in informal settings. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire, as long as it's used with consideration for the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not equal

A more direct way of stating that two things are not the same or equivalent.

it is not equivalent to

Emphasizes the lack of equality or equivalence between two things being compared.

it falls short of

Indicates that something fails to meet a required or expected standard.

it doesn't add up to

Uses a more colloquial term "add up" to indicate that something does not reach a significant total or result.

it does not represent

Implies that something is not an accurate depiction or reflection of something else.

it doesn't constitute

Focuses on whether something meets the criteria to be considered a particular thing.

it is not on par with

Suggests that something is inferior and unable to match in level or quality.

it is not tantamount to

Highlights that something is not virtually the same as or equivalent to something else, often used in formal contexts.

it is of little consequence

Underscores the insignificance or unimportance of something.

it is beside the point

Indicates that something is irrelevant or not important to the matter being discussed.

FAQs

What does "it does not amount to" mean?

The phrase "it does not amount to" means that something is not equivalent to, or does not reach the level of, something else. It implies a lack of significance, importance, or quantity.

How can I use "it does not amount to" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not amount to" to express that something isn't substantial or significant. For example, "The changes they made "it does not amount to" a significant improvement."

What are some alternatives to "it does not amount to"?

Alternatives include "it doesn't add up to", "it is not equivalent to", or "it falls short of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it does not amount to" formal or informal?

"It does not amount to" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "it isn't much" or "it's not a big deal" might be more appropriate.