by total

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by total" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a concept related to totality or completeness, but it lacks context to be usable. Example: "The results were calculated by total sales for the year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spiritually replaced by Total Wipeout.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Game ruined again by total incompetence.

The Guardian - Sport

What do we mean by total cost?

Yale University

What exactly does Bell mean by "total war"?

The New Yorker

He then paused... and was greeted by total silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

By total contrast - we speak, we question - for the country.

The Guardian

"I go by total feel," Piazza, the Mets catcher, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Per-capita G.D.P. is simply G.D.P. divided by total population.

The New York Times

Digestibility was determined by total faecal collection.

Livestock Science

Going by total individual donors gives roughly the same picture.

The Guardian

Digestibility estimates were measured by total fecal collection.

Small Ruminant Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "by total" with more precise alternatives such as "in total", "based on the total", or "according to the total" to ensure grammatical correctness and convey your intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "by total" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify what is being considered in relation to the total amount. For example, rather than saying 'ranked by total,' clarify with 'ranked by total sales' or 'ranked by total revenue'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by total" functions as a prepositional modifier, attempting to specify a criterion or method. Ludwig AI indicates it's not always grammatically correct, often requiring a clearer alternative for precise meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "by total" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical ambiguity. It's often used to indicate a method of sorting or calculation, but clearer alternatives like "in total" or "based on the total" are usually preferable. Although widespread in news, science, and even academic writing, prioritizing precision can significantly enhance the clarity and grammatical correctness of your writing by opting for more explicit alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in total

Emphasizes the aggregate sum or quantity; a more grammatically conventional alternative.

by the total

Specifies 'total' as a defined or known quantity in a given context.

according to the total

Highlights that something is determined or based on a total amount or figure.

based on the total

Indicates a decision or calculation relies on the overall amount.

with respect to the total

Implies considering something in relation to a complete sum or quantity.

regarding the total

Similar to 'with respect to the total' but can also introduce a topic of discussion.

considering the total

Focuses on taking into account the overall number when making a judgment or assessment.

relative to the total

Indicates a proportional relationship with a complete amount.

by overall

Indicates assessment or consideration based on a comprehensive view.

by aggregate

Highlights analysis based on a combined or collective sum.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "by total"?

More grammatically sound alternatives include "in total", "based on the total", or "according to the total", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "by total"?

While "by total" appears frequently, especially in media, it often lacks precision. Using alternatives like "in total" or "based on the total" will improve clarity.

How can I use "in total" instead of "by total"?

Instead of saying "ranked by total points", you can say "ranked "in total" points" or "ranked based on the total number of points".

What's the difference between "by total" and "in total"?

"By total" often implies a method of calculation or ranking, while "in total" refers to a sum or aggregate. Using "in total" usually results in clearer and more grammatically correct sentences.