a greater sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a larger total amount, often in the context of mathematics, finance, or comparisons. Example: "When we combine the two amounts, we will have a greater sum than we initially expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Similarly no boy may borrow a greater sum... Credit with local tradesmen is forbidden".

The Guardian - Books

No hunt has attracted more media attention and a greater sum than the quest for Osama bin Laden for his role in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

And bear in mind that you can expect to receive a greater sum for disappointment if the holiday marked a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary.

The Guardian - Money

The National Rifle Association spent at least $30m to support Trump's run for the White House – a greater sum than any other outside group.

The Guardian

The summer may be a different story, when a "Bale-sized bid" would represent a greater sum than the annual turnover of £80.5m Everton declared in January.

Independent

The moral of all these misadventures in race seems to be that our culture is in need of either a greater sum of social maturity or a faster metabolism.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

(That it will put a great sum of money in his pocket likely eases the sting).

The New York Times - Travel

This has cost taxpayers a great sum of money, hurt innocent people and undermined public faith in Britain's institutions.

The Guardian

But Ms. Palmer's ability to raise such a great sum from a relatively small pool of dedicated fans has drawn the attention of the music industry.

The New York Times - Arts

(Like just about every other reporter in Australia, Pryor is convinced the ranch's owner, Ross Blennerhassett, has been paid a great sum of money to keep quiet).

The New York Times - Magazine

The reader infers that Captain Truegood has been offered a great sum for the match, but we have no idea why until the book's end.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing financial outcomes, use "a greater sum" to clearly indicate a more favorable result, such as "Investing in stocks resulted in a greater sum than keeping the money in a savings account."

Common error

Avoid using "a greater sum" when simply describing an amount without comparison. For example, instead of saying "He inherited a greater sum", specify "He inherited a large sum of money."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater sum" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable. It denotes a quantity or amount that is larger than another being compared.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a greater sum" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a larger amount compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While it's suitable for formal settings, remember to use it in comparative contexts, avoiding it when simply describing a large quantity without reference to another amount. Alternative phrases like "a larger amount" or "a bigger total" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to clarify the amount you are comparing to, as exemplified in real-world applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a larger amount

Focuses on the quantity being larger.

a bigger total

Emphasizes the overall result being larger.

a higher quantity

Highlights the numerical aspect of the sum.

a more significant amount

Indicates the increased amount is important.

an increased sum

Suggests the amount has grown from a previous value.

a more considerable sum

Highlights the noteworthiness of the amount.

a greater quantity

Focuses on the measurable aspect being larger.

a larger aggregate

Implies a combined total that is bigger.

a superior sum

Suggests the amount is not only larger but better.

a more substantial amount

Highlights the amount as being more real or impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "a greater sum" in a sentence?

You can use "a greater sum" to compare two amounts, indicating one is larger than the other. For example, "The reward for finding the missing cat was "a greater sum" than initially offered".

What's the difference between "a great sum" and "a greater sum"?

"A great sum" refers to a large amount, while ""a greater sum"" is used to compare two different sums, one being larger than the other. The latter implies comparison.

What can I say instead of "a greater sum"?

Alternatives include "a larger amount", "a bigger total", or "a more significant amount" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a greater sum of money"?

Yes, it is correct. Adding "of money" clarifies that you're talking about a financial amount, although it's often implied. For example: "The fundraiser yielded "a greater sum" of money than expected."