Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
indicate the sum
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "indicate the sum" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to show or specify the total amount in a mathematical or financial context. Example: "Please indicate the sum of all expenses in your report."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
Table 3 Species distribution of 74 enterococcal isolates (Numbers indicate the sum of isolates) Taxon Sampling sites Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 E.
The thin lines indicate the sum of j R and j D by the geometry shown in (b), and the thick lines indicate the difference of j R and j D obtained by the geometry shown in (c).
Science
These compounds are not separated by the GC column and, although this limitation may have little impact on the overall results of our study, we have to acknowledge that our data indicate the sum of the two isomers.
Science
The thin lines indicate the sum of j R and j D obtained by the geometry shown in Figure 1b, and the thick lines are the difference of j R and j D obtained by the geometry shown in Figure 1c.
Science
For physical contacts we indicate the sum of weak and strong contacts.
Science
d Numbers indicate the sum of intact genes, pseudogenes and partial genes.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
The three different curves in each figure indicate the sum-rate obtained by assuming perfect (non-causal) knowledge of the macro-user activity, no knowledge at all (thus assuming the interference to remain equal to the values observed in the first slots of each frame), or only knowledge of the Markov parameters.
Likewise, the coefficient matrices D and D*, which are obtained from ( E{prime } ) and ( R{prime } ) by dividing ( T^{E} ) and ( T^{R}, ) indicate the sums of the financial instruments.
The square markers (dashed line) in Fig. 8 indicate the total sum of fusion fluxes wherever two distinct organelles fuse in relation to the total sum of fusion fluxes of any two organelles.
Science
where indicates the sum in.
The superscript (Sigma ), here indicates the sum over all (K) components.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "indicate the sum", ensure clarity by specifying what elements are being summed. For example, "The graph should indicate the sum of annual profits." This provides context and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using overly complex synonyms for "indicate" when clarity is paramount. Simpler terms like "show" or "state" often improve readability, especially in technical writing where precision is key.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "indicate the sum" functions as a directive verb phrase. It instructs the audience to observe a representation (visual, textual, etc.) where the total amount of something is displayed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used correctly and is readily understood.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
15%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "indicate the sum" is a grammatically sound and acceptable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, serving to direct attention to a pre-calculated total. While not exceedingly frequent, it provides a clear and precise way to communicate the presence of a total amount. For alternative phrasing, consider using "show the total" or "specify the total" for similar effect. When employing this phrase, always ensure it's clear what is being summed to prevent ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
show the total
Replaces "indicate" with "show", focusing on the visual representation of the sum.
display the sum
Focuses on visually showing the total amount, similar to "show the total".
specify the total
Replaces "indicate" with "specify", emphasizing the precise determination of the sum.
state the sum
Uses "state" instead of "indicate", highlighting the verbal expression of the total.
express the total
Focuses on the manner in which the total is communicated, be it numerically or otherwise.
present the total
Suggests a formal unveiling or display of the sum.
denote the sum
Replaces "indicate" with "denote", suggesting a symbolic representation of the total.
report the total
Implies a more official or documented communication of the sum.
declare the total
Implies a formal or official announcement of the sum.
disclose the sum
Emphasizes the act of revealing the total, especially if it was previously hidden.
FAQs
How can I use "indicate the sum" in a sentence?
You can use "indicate the sum" when you want to express that something shows or specifies the total of a set of numbers or values. For example: "The table must indicate the sum of all expenses."
What can I say instead of "indicate the sum"?
You can use alternatives like "show the total", "specify the total", or "state the sum" depending on the context.
Is "indicate the sum" formal or informal?
"Indicate the sum" is generally considered to be a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for use in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. More informal alternatives exist, but this phrase is appropriate for formal writing.
What's the difference between "indicate the sum" and "calculate the sum"?
"Indicate the sum" means to show or specify a total that has already been calculated. "Calculate the sum", on the other hand, refers to the act of performing the calculation to find the total. They are two very different things.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested