specific sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular amount of money or a defined quantity in financial contexts. Example: "The contract stipulates that the payment must be made in a specific sum agreed upon by both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The group has not endorsed a specific sum.

The New York Times

Stylianides said the money would go "wherever the needs are greatest", although no specific sum has been allocated for Greece.

The Guardian

Ministers are not expected to agree on any specific sum for a Greek bailout.

The New York Times

The compromise reached today would set up seven broad accounts in the conservation fund and allocate a specific sum that could be spent in each.

The New York Times

Instead of naming a specific sum that will go into a trust, many wills refer to an amount up to the exemption or express the sum as a percentage of whatever the limit happens to be when the person dies.

The New York Times

Because my family never talked about money (something strictly forbidden by our bible, written by Emily Post), I was ignorant of a specific sum.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We are not wedded to specific sums … it's not an integral part of the budget".

The Guardian

Ken Johnson, a spokesman for PhRMA, declined to discuss the specific sums.

The New York Times - Health

They also want rich governments to offer specific sums of money for these tasks.

The Economist

Gives details about specific sums of political money from certain sources to certain candidates or parties, information obtained from various investigative reports.

The New Yorker

Israeli officials said the raid also pointed to the changing nature of Palestinian militant groups, which they said were becoming less ideological and more entrepreneurial, with perpetrators earning specific sums for particular attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific sum", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to money, quantity, or another measurable unit to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specific sum" when the specificity isn't apparent from the surrounding text. If the reader cannot readily understand what the "specific sum" refers to, clarify the context or use a more descriptive term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific sum" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It modifies another noun or acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a definite and particular quantity. Ludwig provides examples where it clearly refers to a concrete amount.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific sum" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, particularly when referring to a particular amount of money or a defined quantity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, but is most frequently seen in news articles. While the phrase is not overly common, it effectively conveys precision. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "exact amount" or "precise quantity" to achieve similar clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact amount

Replaces "specific sum" with emphasis on precision and lack of ambiguity.

particular sum

Similar to "specific sum" but with a slightly more formal tone.

precise quantity

Highlights accuracy and definiteness in numerical terms rather than monetary.

fixed amount

Suggests a predetermined and unchangeable quantity.

designated sum

Suggests the amount has been officially assigned for a specific purpose.

defined quantity

Emphasizes that the amount is clearly stated and established.

stipulated amount

Implies the amount is legally required or contractually obligated.

certain amount

Indicates a particular amount without necessarily implying extreme precision.

stated amount

Focuses on the amount being explicitly declared or mentioned.

itemized cost

Focuses more on a financial breakdown and itemization, not just a total.

FAQs

What does "specific sum" mean?

The phrase "specific sum" refers to a particular or definite amount, usually of money, but it can also refer to a defined quantity or measurement. It emphasizes clarity and precision in the amount being referenced.

How can I use "specific sum" in a sentence?

You can use "specific sum" when you need to indicate a precise amount. For example, "The contract stipulates that the payment must be made in a "specific sum" agreed upon by both parties."

What are some alternatives to "specific sum"?

You can use alternatives like "exact amount", "precise quantity", or "fixed amount" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "specific amount" or "specific sum"?

Both "specific amount" and "specific sum" are acceptable, but "specific sum" is typically used when referring to monetary amounts or financial contexts. "Specific amount" is more general and can apply to various quantities.