an exact sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exact sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific and precise total amount, often in contexts involving calculations or financial matters. Example: "After reviewing the expenses, we calculated an exact sum of $1,250 for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still, an exact sum of the at-risk cash remains elusive.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, an exact sum has not been mentioned in the act, and therefore we don't know how much of this investment will be a key priority.

The Guardian

The share transfer is in addition to other payments the company made to Lei including a salary and dividends, for which an exact sum was not given.

BBC

It just so happened that the team at the Asylum, the low-budget studio that has produced many of Syfy's original movies, was already cooking up its own project, "Shark Storm". Partner David Michael Latt wouldn't disclose an exact sum but said "Sharknado" cost "a few million" and their projects typically range from $500,000 to $2 million.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The pirate editors, eager to expand their catalogs with all kinds of ephemera, persuade Varamo to write a book about embalming, and offer him as an advance the exact sum of his monthly salary.

The New York Times - Books

This is the exact sum a British family of four is supposed to be able to live on; except the Dean has removed one penny to take it just below the breadline.

The Guardian - Arts

For the stake in Norilsk, he has offered Mr Prokhorov 11% of RUSAL's stock and an estimated $6 billion in cash (the exact sum is unknown).

The Economist

The exact sum is calculated on a per capita basis.

The Guardian

The exact sum is subject to a confidentiality agreement signed by the parties.

The New York Times - Arts

An independent assessor decides on the exact sum.

The Guardian

The exact sum will be negotiated in a separate court.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an exact sum", ensure the context clearly establishes what the sum refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the items or factors contributing to the sum.

Common error

Avoid using "an exact sum" when providing estimations or approximations. This phrase implies precision, so it's unsuitable for contexts where the amount is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exact sum" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific quantity or amount, typically in contexts involving financial calculations or precise measurements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an exact sum" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to convey the precise numerical value of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for use in a variety of contexts, though more frequently encountered in news, media, and science-related content. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid using "an exact sum" when dealing with estimations. Alternatives such as "the precise amount" or "the accurate total" can be employed to add variety to writing while maintaining accuracy. Overall, ensure the context warrants a precise measurement when employing the phrase to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the precise amount

Replaces 'exact sum' with 'precise amount', focusing on accuracy.

the accurate total

Substitutes 'exact sum' with 'accurate total', highlighting the correctness of the final number.

a specific figure

Uses 'specific figure' instead of 'exact sum', emphasizing a particular numerical value.

the definite quantity

Replaces 'exact sum' with 'definite quantity', stressing the certainty of the amount.

the precise calculation

Changes 'exact sum' to 'precise calculation', emphasizing the process of arriving at the number.

the actual amount

Uses 'actual amount' in place of 'exact sum', highlighting the real or factual value.

a confirmed total

Replaces 'exact sum' with 'confirmed total', indicating that the amount has been verified.

the exact measurement

Substitutes 'exact sum' with 'exact measurement', particularly applicable when the context involves measurement.

the pinpoint figure

Uses 'pinpoint figure' instead of 'exact sum' to underscore precision.

a precise value

Changes 'exact sum' to 'precise value', focusing on the numerical worth or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "an exact sum" in a sentence?

You can use "an exact sum" when you want to emphasize that a specific amount has been precisely calculated or determined. For example: "The auditor verified "the exact sum" owed to the vendor."

What are some alternatives to "an exact sum"?

Some alternatives to "an exact sum" include "the precise amount", "the accurate total", or "a specific figure", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the exact sum total"?

Yes, using "the exact sum total" is generally redundant since "sum" already implies a total. It's better to stick with "the exact sum" or "the total amount".

When should I use "an exact sum" versus "a rough estimate"?

Use "an exact sum" when you have a precisely calculated amount. Use "a rough estimate" when you're providing an approximate or inexact figure. They represent opposite levels of precision.