an incremental sum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incremental sum of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a total that is built up gradually over time, often in contexts like finance, mathematics, or project management. Example: "The project budget will reflect an incremental sum of the costs incurred each month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grimm, E. C. CONISS: a FORTRAN 77 program for stratigraphically constrained cluster analysis by the method of incremental sum of squares.

Nature

Ward's linkage uses the incremental sum of squares; that is, the increase in the total within-cluster sum of squares as a result of joining two clusters.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ward's linkage finds the incremental sum of squares; that is, the increase in the total within-cluster sum of squares as a result of joining two clusters.

BioData Mining

A Squared Euclidian Distance matrix was computed based on LS means and Ward's clustering procedure (Ward 1963), in which incremental sums of squares as fusion criteria, were applied using a hierarchical agglomerative clustering (Kettenring, 2006).

Field Crops Research

In sum, Grit has an incremental value for some of the life outcomes examined when adjusting for the effects of numeracy and Big Five personality traits.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The analysis accounted for above reveals clearly that several change processes took place concurrently and that it was rather a transformation of the whole healthcare centre than a sum of incremental changes.

BMC Family Practice

And now? "We expect only that these businesses have reasonable expectations of earning decent returns on the incremental sums they invest.

Forbes

He's an incremental kind of guy.

The New York Times

There was an incremental sense of career progression.

The Guardian - Arts

There has been an incremental dissipation of standards over time.

Harvard Business Review

All in all, that's an incremental cost of £40m to £60m each year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an incremental sum of" to precisely describe a total amount that is reached by gradually adding smaller portions over a period. This is useful in financial reports, statistical analyses, or project status updates to show a step-by-step progression towards a final goal.

Common error

Avoid using "an incremental sum of" when describing a single, large addition or a lump sum. This phrase specifically implies a gradual accumulation, so ensure the context reflects this progressive addition rather than a one-time increase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incremental sum of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective to further describe another noun. This indicates a total amount that accumulates gradually. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an incremental sum of" effectively describes a quantity that is built up gradually, through successive additions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While not extremely common, it serves as a precise term for gradual accumulation, typically suitable for formal contexts such as finance, science, or project management. Related phrases include "cumulative total" and "progressive accumulation", which can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ensure you use it accurately to reflect a step-by-step accumulation rather than a single large amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cumulative increase

Emphasizes the total increase resulting from successive additions.

progressive accumulation

Highlights the gradual nature of the accumulation process.

gradual aggregation

Focuses on the collection and combination of smaller amounts over time.

step-by-step addition

Illustrates a methodical and sequential adding process.

successive summation

Stresses the sequential calculation of a sum.

aggregate total

Refers to the final total obtained by combining individual elements.

running total

Implies a continuously updated total as new values are added.

accretive amount

Describes an amount that grows by gradual addition or accumulation.

buildup of

Indicates a gradual increase in quantity or intensity.

phased increase

Refers to a gradual increase implemented in stages or phases.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an incremental sum of" in a sentence?

Use "an incremental sum of" to describe a total that's reached by steadily adding smaller amounts over time. For example, "The project budget will reflect "an incremental sum of" the costs incurred each month."

What phrases are similar to "an incremental sum of"?

Similar phrases include "cumulative total", "progressive accumulation", or "gradual aggregation", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "an incremental sum of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an incremental sum of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts such as finance, mathematics, or project management where gradual accumulation needs to be precisely described. You can also use similar terms such as "cumulative total".

When should I avoid using the phrase "an incremental sum of"?

Avoid using "an incremental sum of" when you're referring to a single, large amount or a lump sum. This phrase specifically indicates a gradual, step-by-step accumulation, not a one-time addition. It's better to use the term "total amount" in such cases.