what amount to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what amount to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing things that add up to a certain value or significance. Example: "These factors what amount to a significant change in policy." Alternative expressions include "which equate to" and "that result in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Andrea Zittel and Jessica Stockholder offer what amount to complete homes.

The New York Times - Arts

Little Sisters are girls who have been corrupted into what amount to blood-sucking ghouls.

The New York Times - Arts

She creates what amount to small hot houses occupied by wooden branches.

The New York Times

When Cardona and Reta received what amount to life sentences in prison, no N.G.O.

The New Yorker

The pictures show what amount to pillars of fire at the base of the field lines.

The New York Times

The murder rate has levelled off since 1981, but Edna still sometimes writes what amount to murder-roundup stories.

The New Yorker

They create what amount to GIFs of this other's helplessness, which is what 9/11 was intended to produce, too.

The New Yorker

He has at times captivated interrogators with what amount to master classes in the practice of contemporary terrorism.

The New Yorker

The party out of power complains that the White House is abusing government resources for what amount to campaign purposes.

The New York Times

Four active or former officers face what amount to federal murder charges, and possibly the death penalty.

The Economist

They have tried to disrupt Microsoft's dominance of the PC desktop by creating what amount to intelligent monitors.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what amount to" to suggest that something is equivalent to something else in effect or outcome, especially when the equivalence isn't immediately obvious. For example, "His constant complaining what amounts to harassment".

Common error

Avoid using "what amount to" when you simply mean 'is'. This phrase implies an ultimate result or an effective outcome, not a direct identity. Using 'is' instead of "what amount to" makes your sentences more clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what amount to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an interpretation or consequence. It's used to suggest that something is effectively equivalent to something else, as shown by Ludwig's examples. It expresses an indirect form of equivalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what amount to" is a versatile phrase used to express an ultimate result, effective equivalence, or significant reinterpretation. As Ludwig AI shows, it's prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To effectively use this phrase, remember that it should imply more than a direct equivalence and be used to make persuasive points about the true significance of something. Be careful not to use it as a direct synonym for 'is'. Given its grammatical correctness and common usage, "what amount to" is a valuable asset in expressing nuanced relationships and consequences in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent to

This alternative directly suggests an equal value or effect.

tantamount to

This option implies an equivalence in effect or value, often in a negative context.

amounts to the same thing

Emphasizes that different actions or situations lead to the same outcome.

in effect

This signifies the actual result or consequence of something.

is effectively

Signifies the practical outcome or impact of a situation.

virtually the same as

This indicates near equivalence, with minor differences.

practically equal to

Highlights a similarity that exists in practical terms, not necessarily in theory.

comes down to

Focuses on the core or essential aspect that something ultimately represents.

is essentially

Indicates the fundamental nature or character of something.

in substance

This denotes the real meaning or importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "what amount to" in a sentence?

Use "what amount to" when you want to express that something is effectively the same as something else, even if it doesn't appear so at first glance. For example, "His actions what amount to a breach of contract".

What are some alternatives to "what amount to"?

You can use alternatives such as "equivalent to", "tantamount to", or "in effect" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "what amount to" in formal writing?

Yes, "what amount to" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business documents. Just ensure it fits the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "what amount to" and "equal to"?

"What amount to" suggests an ultimate result or an effective outcome, implying that something leads to a particular result. "Equal to" indicates a direct and obvious equivalence.