a total of about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total of about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an estimated, approximate amount, usually when discussing numerical information. For example: "Researchers have identified a total of about 4,000 species of birds in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Mets have donated a total of about $625,000.

The New York Times

Kisco and Scarsdale for a total of about 150 employees.

The New York Times

The two hospitals have a total of about 700 beds.

The New York Times

Combined, they bought dresses for a total of about $300.

The New York Times

The device tracks a total of about 30 responses.

The New York Times - Tech

your entire family can receive dental coverage for a total of about $1000.

Columbia University

China has had a total of about 200 Peace Corps volunteers since 1993.

The New York Times

There are 35 tenants, with a total of about 3,000 employees.

The New York Times

Like other Ting customers, we bought our two phones outright, for a total of about $800.

The Guardian - Opinion

The contract collapse will cost the partners a total of about £20m.

The Guardian

Thirty-nine neighboring families joined them -- a total of about 200 people.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a total of about", ensure the context provides a clear basis for the approximation. This helps maintain credibility and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary decimal places or overly precise figures after using "a total of about". This contradicts the initial indication of approximation and can confuse the reader. For example, don't write "a total of about 100.00002"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total of about" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun phrase. It serves to indicate an estimated or approximate quantity rather than an exact figure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a total of about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for indicating an approximate quantity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the approximation, and avoid adding unnecessary precision afterward. Remember, its purpose is to provide an estimate, not a precise figure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a combined sum of approximately

Specifies that the total is derived from a combination, using formal language for approximation.

a grand total of close to

Emphasizes the completeness of the total, while indicating proximity to a value.

approximately totaling

Emphasizes the action of summing up to an approximate amount; shifts focus to the process of totaling.

an overall figure of nearly

Focuses on the final result, using "nearly" to indicate approximation.

an estimated aggregate of

Highlights the combined nature of the total, implying a formal assessment.

roughly adding up to

Indicates an estimate of a sum, using less formal language.

around the sum of

Implies an estimate of the total amount, more colloquial.

in the vicinity of

Expresses an approximate quantity, focusing on the range around a specific number.

in the neighborhood of

Similar to "in the vicinity of", but slightly more informal.

something in the order of

Indicates an approximate quantity, suggesting the magnitude or scale.

FAQs

How can I use "a total of about" in a sentence?

Use "a total of about" to indicate an approximate or estimated sum. For example, "The project cost "a total of about" $1 million".

What's the difference between "a total of about" and "approximately"?

"A total of about" is used to describe an estimated sum or quantity, while "approximately" can modify various numerical expressions. The phrases can often be interchangeable. For example, you can say "The number was "approximately" 500" or ""a total of about" 500".

Is it okay to use "a total of about" in formal writing?

Yes, "a total of about" is acceptable in formal writing when an exact figure is not available or necessary. It clearly indicates that the number provided is an estimate.

What are some alternatives to "a total of about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "approximately", "roughly", "in the vicinity of", or "around". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and level of formality.