a total amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the complete sum or quantity of something, often in financial or quantitative contexts. Example: "The total amount due for the project is $5,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having agreed now on a total amount, Congress and the administration must decide who gets how much.

The New York Times

The marketers are paying a total amount estimated at several hundred thousand dollars for sponsorships.

The New York Times

Bethnal Green Academy in East London came in third with its principal leaving with a total amount of £220,000.

Independent

It locked in a total amount, $450 million, for the financial products unit and prepared to pay it in a series of installments, to encourage people to stay.

The New York Times

Prizes often seed a total amount of investment more than the award.

TechCrunch

Each club has also agreed financial targets to meet and a total amount to pay Uefa.

BBC

Each generation consisted of 56 differently composed materials, i.e., a total amount of 280 materials.

Catalysis Today

There are seven Boolean conditions, with a total amount of 27 = 128 combinations.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In the USA, a total amount of credit card balances is about $700 billion.

Journal of Economic Structures

A total amount of organic part in the composite was estimated at 25.73 wt.%.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The patient received three fractions of 177Lu-DOTATATE to a total amount of 22 GBq.

EJNMMI Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a total amount", ensure you specify the units of measurement (e.g., dollars, kilograms, liters) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid switching between "a total amount" and less formal phrases within the same document. Maintain consistency for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total amount" functions primarily as a noun phrase, modifying another noun or acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to the overall sum or quantity of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a total amount" functions as a noun phrase used to specify a complete sum or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. Its usage tends to be formal in academic and scientific settings but remains neutral in more general contexts. To improve clarity, always specify units of measurement when using this phrase. Furthermore, maintain consistent terminology within your writing and select appropriate substitutes based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the combined total

Indicates that the total is a result of combining multiple amounts or quantities.

the inclusive amount

Specifies that the amount includes all relevant components or additions.

the overall sum

Stresses the general or global sum, viewing the total from a broader perspective.

the sum total

Emphasizes the final sum after addition, suggesting a comprehensive calculation.

the entire quantity

Highlights the completeness of the quantity, indicating nothing is missing.

the grand total

Highlights the final, often impressive, sum after all calculations are completed.

the aggregate quantity

Focuses on the combined quantity, implying a summing up of individual items.

the complete figure

Emphasizes the final, unaltered figure, indicating accuracy and comprehensiveness.

the full measure

Implies that the quantity is complete and fulfills the required or expected measure.

the gross volume

Refers to the total volume before any deductions or reductions are made.

FAQs

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

You can use "a total amount" to specify the sum or quantity of something, as in, "The project required "a total amount" of $5000".

What's a good substitute for "a total amount"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a total amount" include phrases like "the overall sum", "the grand total", or "the aggregate quantity".

Is it more formal to say "a total amount" or "the total"?

"A total amount" is generally more formal and specific, while "the total" can be more concise. The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "total amount" always about numbers and sums?

Yes, "total amount" nearly always refers to a quantifiable sum or quantity. If you're not talking about something countable, you'd use a different phrase.