to the amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"to the amount of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a quantity or size, often in the context of money or a number. For example: "The cost of the new car was to the amount of $25,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eggs are classified according to the amount of yolk present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Tweet deleted due to the amount of abuse I've received!

Independent

"It's my $100,000 lid," Roush said, referring to the amount of one of the penalties.

The New York Times - Sports

The tax would apply to the amount of premiums above the threshold.

The New York Times - Health

Compares the lack of spontaneous music here to the amount of it in Europe.

The New Yorker

Perhaps there is a limit to the amount of division a community can tolerate.

The New Yorker

There is virtually no end to the amount of overlapping symbolification Byatt can generate.

The New Yorker

"We are limited by law to the amount of money we can borrow.

The New York Times

They have cut everything from free meals to the amount of legroom in coach class.

The New York Times

The amount of time it's enjoyed is disproportionate to the amount of time spent".

The New York Times

So they could plant according to the amount of water available.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to the amount of", ensure the context clearly indicates a quantity or value. This phrase is best suited for formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

Be mindful of using "to the amount of" when a simpler preposition like 'to' or 'of' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the amount of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying a quantity, extent, or value. It often indicates a limit, total, or equivalent measure. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to the amount of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a quantity or value. It is most commonly found in formal contexts, such as news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedia entries. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for written English. While it's important to ensure clear and concise writing, avoid redundancy by using the phrase only when specifying an exact quantity is essential. Consider alternatives like "equal to" or "up to" for more informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to the sum of

Replaces 'amount' with 'sum', emphasizing a total or aggregate value. It introduces a slight variation in formality.

equal to the quantity of

Substitutes 'amount' with 'quantity', giving a more precise and measurable impression.

equivalent to the measure of

Replaces 'amount' with 'measure', suggesting a standard or unit used for comparison.

corresponding to the level of

Uses 'level' instead of 'amount', indicating a degree or intensity.

in proportion to the extent of

Emphasizes a relationship of scale or ratio, replacing 'amount' with 'extent'.

matching the volume of

Changes 'amount' to 'volume', implying a three-dimensional quantity or capacity.

consistent with the figure of

Replaces 'amount' with 'figure', suggesting a numerical representation or statistic.

totaling the number of

Focuses on the cumulative count, substituting 'amount' with 'number'.

reaching the magnitude of

Substitutes 'amount' with 'magnitude', indicating size or importance.

limited to the size of

Emphasizes a restriction or upper bound, replacing 'amount' with 'size'.

FAQs

How can I use "to the amount of" in a sentence?

Use "to the amount of" to specify a particular quantity or value, especially in formal contexts. For example, "The damages awarded were "equal to" the amount of the initial investment".

What's a simpler way to express "to the amount of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "equal to", "up to", or simply 'to'. For instance, "The fine was to the amount of $100" could be shortened to "The fine was $100".

Is it better to use "to the amount of" or "for the amount of"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but "to the amount of" is generally used to specify a limit or extent, while "for the amount of" indicates a payment or cost. Consider the nuance you wish to convey.

What are some alternatives to using "to the amount of" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using more concise alternatives such as "equivalent to", "totaling", or "reaching" to maintain a sophisticated tone without unnecessary verbosity.