The total amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"The total amount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a grand total after adding or subtracting multiple numbers. For example, "After adding all of the expenses, the total amount came to $50."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The total amount involved was almost $50 million.

The New York Times

The total amount of grain has not been determined.

The New York Times

The total amount was approximately 1,040 tonnes.

The Guardian

The total amount would be closer to $140 billion.

The New York Times

The total amount of government spending is about the same.

The Economist

The total amount of maturing debt will be much higher.

The New York Times

"The total amount doesn't seem to be the important thing.

Independent

The total amount exceeded €1 billion, he claimed.

The Economist

The total amount borrowed was a little above expectations.

The New York Times

The total amount repayable will be £8,599.

BBC

The total amount of samples is 2985.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports, always specify the units (e.g., dollars, tons, units) after stating "the total amount" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the total amount" when you only have an estimate; use phrases like "approximate amount" or "estimated total" instead to convey the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total amount" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It refers to the overall quantity or sum of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total amount" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the overall sum or quantity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general informational writing. When using "the total amount", ensure precision by specifying the units and avoid using it for estimates unless qualified accordingly. Alternatives like "the overall quantity" or "the aggregate sum" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to specify what you are referring to when you use "the total amount" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The grand total

Uses "grand" to emphasize the finality of the total.

The full amount

Emphasizes that no amount is missing.

The complete sum

Emphasizes the completeness of the sum.

The entire sum

Uses "entire" to highlight the completeness of the sum.

The overall quantity

Focuses on the quantity rather than the monetary value.

The final figure

Replaces "amount" with "figure", often used in financial contexts.

The combined sum

Stresses the combination of different parts into a single sum.

The aggregate sum

Replaces "total" with "aggregate" and "amount" with "sum", emphasizing the collection of individual items.

The cumulative quantity

Highlights the accumulation aspect of the quantity.

The net quantity

Specifies that it is the quantity after deductions.

FAQs

How can I use "The total amount" in a sentence?

You can use "the total amount" to refer to a final sum or quantity, for example, "The total amount due was $500" or "The total amount of water needed is 10 liters".

What phrases can I use instead of "The total amount"?

Alternatives include "the overall quantity", "the aggregate sum", or "the grand total" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "total amount" or should I use another phrasing?

"Total amount" is a correct and commonly used phrase. The appropriateness of the phrase depends on the context, and alternatives might be more suitable in specific situations.

What is the difference between "the total amount" and "the sum total"?

While similar, "the total amount" typically refers to a quantity or value obtained by adding individual amounts. "The sum total" is used for emphasis, but carries the same essential meaning.