at the sum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the sum of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific total or aggregate amount in a mathematical or financial context. Example: "The total cost of the project came in at the sum of $10,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Another way to distinguish the three geometries is to look at the sum of the angles of a triangle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When adding up these funds, we arrive at the sum of PLN 700-800 billion, which is going to back European funds in this new European perspective.

The Economist

The red line is also an index of hours worked per person — but based on the time diary methodology (here I look at the sum of hours spent at work and in "income-generating activities").

The New York Times

In analogy, if the train moves at the speed of light and a passenger shines a laser in the same direction, then common sense indicates that a trackside observer should see the light moving at the sum of the two speeds, or twice the speed of light (6 × 108 metres per second).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I look at the sum of square distances between different magnetometer positions," explains Heenan.

TechCrunch

No one is looking at the sum of all these participants.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Define At as the sum of the two additive functionals above.

Journal of Functional Analysis

In order to develop my career I need to look at my thesis as the sum of many parts.

The Guardian

Maternal weight at delivery is calculated as the sum of these two quantities.

Environmental Health Perspectives

A country's overall score is arrived at from the sum of the rankings of each indicator.

The Economist

At times the sum of everyone's efforts feels almost like too much, but it's a too-muchness that works.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the sum of", ensure clarity about what elements are being added together. Be specific and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the sum of" when referring to approximate or estimated values. This phrase implies a precise calculation, so use alternatives like "approximately", "around", or "in the neighborhood of" when accuracy isn't guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the sum of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a particular quantity resulting from addition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the sum of" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify a total amount resulting from addition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While suitable for precise calculations, avoid using it for approximations. Consider synonyms like "totaling" or "amounting to" for conciseness or slightly different emphasis. Keep in mind its tendency for formal to neutral register, aligning particularly with technical and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totaling

This alternative directly indicates the process of adding up to a specific amount. It's more concise and emphasizes the resulting total.

amounting to

Similar to "totaling", this emphasizes the final amount reached after calculation. It may suggest a gradual accumulation.

equaling

This highlights the equality between a calculation and its result, useful when stating a precise equivalence.

being equivalent to

This phrase indicates a state of equivalence or balance, often used in mathematical or logical contexts.

aggregating to

This suggests that individual parts are being combined into a larger whole, implying collection from separate sources.

representing a total of

Focuses on what the sum signifies or represents, useful for interpreting the meaning behind the numerical result.

constituting a sum of

Implies that the combined elements form a particular total, suitable for defining components of a greater whole.

computed as

This indicates that the value was obtained through a computational process, often emphasizing the calculation itself.

being calculated at

Similar to "computed as", this highlights the act of calculating the value and its ultimate result.

determined by summing

Emphasizes the method of finding the total by adding constituent elements, suitable for procedural descriptions.

FAQs

How can I use "at the sum of" in a sentence?

Use "at the sum of" to indicate a precise total achieved by adding multiple values. For example, "The final cost came in "amounting to" the sum of parts, labor, and taxes".

What phrases are similar to "at the sum of"?

Similar phrases include "totaling", "amounting to", or "equaling". The best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "at the sum of" or "totaling"?

"At the sum of" can sound slightly more formal, especially in technical or financial contexts. However, "totaling" is often perfectly acceptable and can be more concise.

When should I avoid using "at the sum of"?

Avoid using "at the sum of" if the value is an estimate or approximation. It's best reserved for scenarios where a precise calculation is involved, otherwise consider "approximately" or "around".