a sum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sum of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an amount of money or a total number of something. For example, "I raised a sum of $500 for charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's a sum of its component parts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He is preëminently a sum of curiosities.

The New Yorker

A picture used to be a sum of additions.

The New Yorker

Are we really just a sum of repeating patterns?

The Guardian - Tech

/ Here I am, a sum of different parts.

The New Yorker

A sum of £80 billion is to be made available.

The Economist

Those terms will not be clear until Spain formally requests a sum of money.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Our valuation is based on a sum-of-the-parts.

The Guardian - Business

Our data permitted a sum-of-all-the-parts analysis.

Journal of Molecular Biology

GM is a sum-of-its-parts story.

Forbes

Results were compared by a sum-of-squares F test.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sum of" to describe money, ensure it's followed by a specific currency. For instance, "a sum of $500" is clearer than just "a sum of money".

Common error

Avoid using "a sum of" to describe abstract concepts or qualities that cannot be quantified. For example, instead of "a sum of happiness", consider alternatives like "a great deal of happiness" or "much happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sum of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to specify a quantity or total. It quantifies something, be it money, items, or abstract units. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in varied contexts, reinforcing its quantifying role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sum of" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify a quantity or total. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and common in written English. Predominantly found in news and media and science contexts, "a sum of" provides clarity and precision when discussing amounts, ensuring readers understand the magnitude being referenced. While alternatives like ""a total of"" or ""an amount of"" exist, "a sum of" remains a reliable and frequently used choice across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total of

This alternative replaces "sum" with "total", emphasizing the final amount or quantity.

an amount of

This alternative is less precise than "a sum of", referring to a quantity without necessarily implying addition.

a quantity of

This alternative is similar to "an amount of" but often used for countable items.

a collection of

This alternative suggests a gathering or accumulation of items, rather than a precise calculation.

a combination of

This alternative emphasizes the merging or blending of different elements to form a whole.

an aggregate of

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "a sum of", often used in technical contexts.

a compilation of

This alternative refers to a collection of items brought together, often for a specific purpose.

the entirety of

This alternative emphasizes the completeness or wholeness of something, rather than a calculated total.

the accumulation of

This alternative highlights the process of gathering or building up something over time.

a body of

Refers to a substantial collection of something, typically information or work.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sum of" to refer to an amount of money, as in "He received "a sum of" $10,000". It can also refer to a total number of items, like "The project required "a sum of" 50 hours".

What's the difference between "a sum of" and "an amount of"?

"A sum of" typically implies a calculated total, while "an amount of" is more general and doesn't necessarily suggest addition or calculation. For instance, "a sum of money" suggests a specific total, whereas "an amount of money" refers to a quantity without being precise.

What are some alternatives to using "a sum of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a total of", "an amount of", or "a quantity of". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a calculated total or a general quantity.

Is it correct to say "the sum total of" instead of "a sum of"?

While "the sum total of" is sometimes used, it can be considered redundant since "sum" already implies a total. Sticking with just ""a sum of"" is generally more concise and grammatically sound.