In total

USAGE SUMMARY

"In total" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the full amount of something. For example: "In total, I had spent ten hours working on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In total darkness.

The New Yorker

In total, Kennedy recorded four tackles.

The New York Times - Sports

In total, 133 villages were damaged.

The New York Times

In total, 16 people have been arrested.

BBC

In total, 27 cyclists finished.

Wikipedia

In total awe.

Huffington Post

In total, the U.S. lost 12 men.

Wikipedia

In total, 67 people required rescuing.

Wikipedia

In total, 29 riders were punished.

Wikipedia

In total 27 bins.

Plosone

In total 205 men died.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In total", ensure that all the components being summed are clearly defined and relevant to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "In total" when you are not providing a comprehensive sum. For example, if you say "In total, we have 10 items", ensure that you have indeed accounted for all relevant items; otherwise, the statement can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In total" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the sentence by indicating that the following statement provides a comprehensive sum or overall quantity. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

31%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In total" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, serving to introduce a final count or sum. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, media, wiki articles, and scientific publications, demonstrating its broad applicability. While it maintains a neutral register and is suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is vital to ensure that the following statement provides a comprehensive and accurate final count to avoid misleading readers. Common alternatives to "In total" include "altogether", "all told", and "in summary", offering stylistic variations for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Altogether

A single word conveying the same meaning, offering a more concise alternative.

In summary

Similar in conveying a concluding quantity, focusing on the final result or count.

All told

An idiomatic expression equivalent in meaning, providing a more stylistic choice.

Taken together

Emphasizes combining individual elements to reach a cumulative assessment.

Cumulatively

Focuses on the accumulation of elements to reach the whole.

The sum of

Highlights the mathematical aspect of addition or aggregation.

Collectively

Refers to a combined effort or quantity from multiple sources.

In conclusion

More commonly used to summarize an argument or presentation rather than a count.

On the whole

Emphasizes a general overview or comprehensive perspective.

To summarize

Focuses on brevity and condensation of information.

FAQs

How can I use "In total" in a sentence?

You can use "In total" to introduce a final count or sum. For example, "In total, we raised 500 dollars" or "In total, there are 30 students in the class".

What phrases are similar to "In total"?

Similar phrases include "altogether", "all told", and "in summary". These can be used interchangeably depending on the context to indicate a final count or sum.

Is it better to use "In total" or "altogether"?

Both "In total" and "altogether" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. "In total" is slightly more formal and explicit, while "altogether" is more concise.

What's the difference between "In total" and "total"?

"Total" is the noun that describes the sum. "In total" is an adverbial phrase used to introduce the sum. For example, "The total cost was 100 dollars" versus "In total, the cost was 100 dollars".