a lower total

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lower total" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a number that is less than another number. For example, "The team's score was 15, which was a lower total than the opponent's score of 20."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No player since has led either league with a lower total.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Mohammed Hafeez's side were equally inept against India – indeed they posted a lower total – but, as shown with their win over Australia, are as erratic as ever.

The Guardian - Sport

A covalent bond forms if the bonded atoms have a lower total energy than the widely separated atoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission, which designates the districts and receives districts' requests for the signs, had a lower total, 21 districts.

The New York Times

The sodium atom donates its single valence electron to fill the hole in the chlorine shell, forming a sodium chloride system at a lower total energy level.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A lower total score indicates poorer QOL.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

A lower total score indicates a poorer QOL.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

He also argues that these versions deliver a lower total cost of ownership.

TechCrunch

Compared to a simple inductor (L-filter), LCL-filters result in a lower total inductance value.

Control of Power Electronic Converters and Systems

It could allow people to travel around cities more quickly, safely, quietly and cleanly – and at a lower total cost.

TechCrunch

A lower total score (overall range of 25 100) indicates poorer QOL.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets, use "a lower total" to clearly indicate a reduction or decrease in quantity. Ensure the context provides a clear point of reference for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "a lower total" when referring to abstract concepts or qualities that cannot be numerically quantified. Instead, opt for terms like "reduced impact" or "decreased influence" in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lower total" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a quantifiable amount. It is used to indicate that one quantity is less than another. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lower total" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a reduced quantity or sum. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from scientific research to news reports, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis for comparison. Be aware of potential misuse in scenarios involving non-quantifiable concepts, where alternative expressions like "reduced impact" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller sum

Replaces "total" with "sum", implying a calculation or aggregation resulting in a reduced amount.

a reduced quantity

Substitutes "lower" with "reduced" and "total" with "quantity", emphasizing the decreased amount.

a decreased amount

Similar to "reduced quantity" but uses "amount" instead, highlighting a reduction in measure or extent.

a diminished aggregate

Replaces "lower" with "diminished" and "total" with "aggregate", suggesting a reduced combined amount.

a lesser value

Emphasizes the numerical representation, with "value" replacing "total".

a smaller overall number

Adds "overall" and "number" for clarity, specifying a reduced count in general.

a less significant amount

Focuses on the importance of the amount rather than just the quantity.

a curtailed aggregate

Uses "curtailed" to emphasize the reduction and "aggregate" for the sum.

a lessened quantity

Replaces "lower" with "lessened", indicating a reduction in amount.

a downward total

Uses "downward" to imply a reduction in the total amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lower total" to compare quantities, such as "The company reported "a lower total" sales figure this quarter compared to last quarter".

What's an alternative to saying "a lower total"?

Alternatives include "a smaller sum", "a reduced quantity", or "a decreased amount" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a lower total" when referring to a reduction?

No, it's more appropriate for quantifiable data. For abstract concepts, consider using terms like "reduced impact" or "decreased influence".

What is the difference between "a lower total" and "a lower overall"?

"A lower total" refers specifically to a reduced sum or quantity. "A lower overall" is a more general comparison, implying a reduction in the entirety or general scope of something.