grand total

USAGE SUMMARY

'granddaughter total' is correct and usable in written English.
Depending on the context, it could be used to refer to the collective granddaughters in a family, or to all granddaughters combined. For example, "My daughter and son-in-law welcomed their third granddaughter recently, bringing the granddaughter total to five."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grand total: $317.

The New York Times

The grand total?

The New York Times

Our grand total for the year?

The New York Times

Grand total Timemployees on God's earth, 782.

The New Yorker

That made a grand total of $389.25.

The New York Times - Travel

The grand total is: 2,486 calories.

The New York Times

The grand total, once these are included?

The Washington Post

A grand total of -- drumroll, please -- nine.

The Washington Post

A grand total of $13.9 million was granted.

Princeton University

Grand total currently stands at over £29 million!

The Guardian

The grand total of servants was 64,510.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grand total" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to the final and complete sum after all calculations are included.

Common error

Avoid using "grand total" when referring to an estimated or approximate sum. "Grand total" implies a precise and definitive calculation, so use alternatives like "estimated total" or "approximate sum" for non-final amounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grand total" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the final sum or aggregate of a calculation or series of additions. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from financial summaries to describing quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grand total" signifies the final, complete sum, frequently appearing in financial and general numerical contexts. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for neutral and professional settings, it is essential to use it for precise, definitive calculations, not estimations. Alternatives like "overall sum" or "final amount" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall sum

Uses "sum" instead of "total" and "overall" instead of "grand" to indicate the final amount.

total amount

Emphasizes the quantity or measure of something in its entirety.

full amount

Highlights the completeness of the sum.

aggregate sum

Replaces "grand" with "aggregate" for a more formal tone.

ultimate total

Uses "ultimate" to stress the finality of the sum.

final tally

Replaces "total" with "tally" implying a counting process.

final figure

Replaces "total" with "figure", implying a numerical result.

cumulative total

Emphasizes the accumulation of individual amounts to reach the final sum.

total expenditure

Specifically refers to the total amount of money spent.

complete reckoning

A more formal and less common way to express the final calculation.

FAQs

How is "grand total" used in financial contexts?

"Grand total" is frequently used in financial statements, invoices, and receipts to indicate the final amount due after all additions, taxes, and deductions. It represents the comprehensive sum of all transactions.

What are some alternatives to "grand total" in everyday language?

In less formal settings, you can use phrases like "final amount", "total sum", or "overall cost" instead of "grand total" to convey the same meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "grand total" when the sum is an estimate?

No, it is not appropriate. "Grand total" suggests an exact calculation. For estimates, use phrases like ""estimated total"" or "approximate cost".

How does "grand total" differ from "total"?

"Total" simply indicates the sum of values. "Grand total" often implies a more comprehensive calculation, incorporating multiple subtotals, taxes, and other adjustments to reach a final, definitive sum.