sum at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sum at stake" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the amount of money or value that is involved in a situation, often in the context of risk or potential loss. Example: "In this high-stakes poker game, there is a significant sum at stake that could change the lives of the players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When the sum at stake is €13bn (£10.8bn) in allegedly unpaid taxes, Vestager would be failing in her job if she didn't act.

The Guardian - Business

Reducing the defense budget by about $55 billion a year, the sum at stake, would most likely mean fewer engineers and scientists inventing weaponry and more of them producing for consumers.

The New York Times

And that, give or take a few million, was the sum at stake when a committee of the medical world's great and good decided who will take on what have become known as the Grand Challenges in Global Health.

The Economist

Public fascination has come from the enormous sum at stake — estimated to be at least $3.9 billion — and from the quirky, though disputed, details about Mrs. Wang's relationship with a married man 23 years her junior and their superstitious rituals.

The New York Times

The sum at stake is said to be another £100m (not a fortune in the context of borrowings that should peak at £1.4bn-£1.5bn, including bonds, at the end of December).

The Guardian - Business

The tradition began when railroad engineers put down a wager of $800 in 1917; by 2000, the sum at stake had grown to $335,000, attracting punters from all over Alaska and assuring round-the-clock vigilance of the river from Nenana citizens.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Although the sums at stake would be large, the risk was relatively low.

The New Yorker

And it magnifies the sums at stake: nearly a trillion euros for 2014-20.

The Economist

All three cases involve very disparate means of obtaining information and vastly different sums at stake.

The New York Times

Both times, the sums at stake were easily in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The New York Times

The sums at stake may be smallish, but the moral issues say the protagonists are big.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential financial losses or gains, use "sum at stake" to emphasize the quantifiable value involved. This is particularly useful in business and legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "sum at stake" when referring to non-quantifiable risks. The phrase implies a specific, measurable value that is subject to loss or gain. For general risks, consider alternatives like "stakes involved" or "potential consequences".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sum at stake" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or a complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting that it refers to the amount of money or value involved in a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sum at stake" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that refers to the amount of money or value involved in a situation, often implying risk. While Ludwig AI validates this usage, it's important to note its somewhat formal tone. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When writing, ensure you're referring to a quantifiable value, and consider alternatives like "stakes involved" for broader contexts. Be mindful of the potential for confusion with general risk, and reserve "sum at stake" for situations involving measurable financial or material value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amount at risk

Focuses on the potential loss or negative consequence associated with a situation.

stakes involved

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of a situation.

value at risk

Emphasizes the quantifiable worth that could be lost or jeopardized.

financial implications

Specifically points to the monetary consequences of a decision or event.

potential losses

Focuses on the possible negative outcomes in terms of value or resources.

capital at risk

Highlights the investment or financial resources that could be lost.

money on the line

Emphasizes the financial commitment and potential for gain or loss.

assets at stake

Refers to the resources or property that are subject to risk.

risk exposure

Focuses on the extent to which an entity is vulnerable to potential losses.

possible repercussions

Highlights the potential negative consequences or effects of a decision or action.

FAQs

How can I use "sum at stake" in a sentence?

You can use "sum at stake" to refer to the amount of money or value that is involved in a situation, often in the context of risk or potential loss. For example: "The "amount at risk" in this investment is considerable."

What are some alternatives to "sum at stake"?

Alternatives include phrases like "amount at risk", "stakes involved", or "value at risk", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "sums at stake" or "sum at stake"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "sum at stake" is generally used when referring to a single, specific amount, while "sums at stake" is used when referring to multiple or unspecified amounts. You can choose "stakes involved" as well.

What's the difference between "sum at stake" and "stakes involved"?

"Sum at stake" emphasizes the monetary or quantifiable value that is subject to risk, while "stakes involved" is a broader term that can refer to any potential consequences, not just financial ones. You can say the "stakes involved" when you don't know a number.