an approximate total

USAGE SUMMARY

"an approximate total" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a general or estimated sum of money or items. For example, "We need an approximate total of $500 for supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

In the state of New South Wales, Australia, in the period June 2007 to 2008 there were approximately 34 000 whiplash claims with an approximate total financial cost of $AUD 700 million [ 1].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Based on Anchor's closing stock price of $14.78 yesterday, the transaction has an approximate total value of $42.5 million, and represents a price of $16.26 for each Ledger share.

The New York Times

We have allocated an approximate total budget of £600,000 to tackle domestic abuse in 2012-13, up significantly from about £450,000 in 2011-12 and significantly higher than previous years' funding pots.

The Guardian

About two-thirds of these families have since returned, but most of the rest were relocated about an hour and a half from San José in late November and, according to Mahecha, there are still about 180 Nukak, out of an approximate total of 650, in the town or on its outskirts.

The Guardian

Located in the eastern region of Africa, Uganda has an approximate total area of 241,551 km241,551

Crime Science

"The programme of work is ongoing and five out of a total of eight signs have been placed at an approximate total cost of £950".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Thus, opacity-based PM emission factors were based on a correction factor of 5 to approximate total PM.

Urban Rail Transit

Morpholino (4.6 nl each) was injected at a concentration of 0.25 m m (approximate total amount of morpholino injected = 9 ng).

Human Molecular Genetics

With an approximate combined total of 1.4 million square feet, the buildings are fetching about $700 a foot.

Forbes

SquareTrade, a company that provides warranty repairs for consumer electronics, revealed in a report today that Americans have spent an approximate cumulative total of $5.9 billion on damaged iPhones since the device's introduction in 2007.

TechCrunch

In this sense, they believe that the individuals move in the direction of forming of an approximate minimal total length trail system, the so-called "pro-Steiner" structure.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an approximate total", specify the basis for your approximation to provide context and enhance credibility. For example, "an approximate total based on last year's figures".

Common error

Avoid presenting "an approximate total" as an exact figure. This undermines credibility. Clearly indicate that the value is an estimation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an approximate total" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, providing an estimation of a quantity. Ludwig AI confirms it's a standard way to present a general or estimated value.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an approximate total" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate an estimated quantity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English and can refer to a general or estimated sum of money or items. The phrase appears across various contexts like science, news, and general writing. It is important to use this phrase when precision is not available or necessary, and to avoid presenting it as an exact value. Common alternatives include "an estimated sum" or "a rough estimate of the total".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an estimated sum

Replaces 'approximate' with 'estimated' and 'total' with 'sum', emphasizing the estimated nature of the quantity.

a rough estimate of the total

Uses 'rough estimate' to highlight the lack of precision and adds 'of the total' for clarity.

an overall approximation

Emphasizes the general nature of the estimation, using 'overall' and 'approximation'.

a ballpark figure for the total

Introduces a more informal tone, suggesting a very general estimation.

a calculated estimate of the total

Highlights that the approximation is the result of some calculation.

an order-of-magnitude estimate

Suggests a very high-level estimation, focusing on powers of ten.

an estimated aggregate

Uses 'aggregate' as a synonym for 'total', maintaining a formal tone.

a projected total

Suggests that the total is based on some form of projection or forecasting.

an assumed total

Implies that the total is based on assumptions, rather than precise calculations.

a guesstimate of the total

Combines 'guess' and 'estimate' to emphasize the informal and imprecise nature of the approximation.

FAQs

How do I use "an approximate total" in a sentence?

You can use "an approximate total" to introduce an estimated sum or quantity. For example, "The project is expected to cost "an approximate total" of $1 million".

What's a more formal way to say "an approximate total"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an estimated sum" or "a calculated estimate of the total".

Is it better to say "approximate total" or "estimated total"?

Both "approximate total" and "estimated total" are acceptable. The choice depends on context and desired nuance. "Estimated total" might imply a more careful calculation, while "approximate total" suggests a less precise figure.

What are some alternatives to "an approximate total" in informal writing?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases like "a ballpark figure for the total" or "a guesstimate of the total".