sum to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sum to" is not a valid phrase in written English.
The correct phrase is "amount to". For example: The total cost of all the items amounted to $30.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What did it sum to?

The New Yorker

Congress increased the sum to $34 million.

The New York Times

The business owed a similar sum to trade creditors.

The Guardian - Sport

The new charges bring that sum to $93 million.

The New York Times

They contributed, in sum, to that vital element, diversity.

The Economist

The gains and losses do not sum to zero.

The Economist

He hands that sum to a hundi dealer in Bangladesh.

The Economist

Then charge that sum to ratepayers.

Forbes

How much does that sum to?

TechCrunch

Percentages should sum to 100".

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

So, what do all the little updates sum to?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, replace "sum to" with "amount to" or "add up to."

Common error

Avoid using "sum to" in formal writing; it's often perceived as grammatically incorrect. Opt for "amount to" for a more polished and accurate expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sum to" functions as a linking verb phrase, attempting to connect a subject with a resulting total or aggregate. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sum to" is frequently used, Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. It attempts to express the result of adding several items together. More suitable alternatives include "amount to" and "add up to", ensuring grammatical correctness and clarity. Despite its prevalence across different sources, including science and news media, opting for grammatically sound alternatives enhances the precision and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amount to

This is a more grammatically correct and widely accepted alternative, focusing on the total or aggregate.

add up to

This alternative emphasizes the process of combining elements to reach a total.

total

A concise alternative, highlighting the final calculated value.

equal

This alternative emphasizes the resulting equivalence of the calculation.

result in

This focuses on the outcome or consequence of the summed elements.

constitute

This emphasizes the components that make up the total.

come to

This highlights the process of reaching the final sum.

make up

Focuses on the parts contributing to the whole, not just the final value.

aggregate to

A more formal way of saying "sum to", typically used in statistical or financial contexts.

approximate

Implies an estimation or a close value rather than an exact sum.

FAQs

What does "sum to" mean?

While often used to mean "amount to" or "add up to", "sum to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It attempts to express the total or aggregate value of multiple items.

How can I use "amount to" instead of "sum to"?

Use "amount to" when you want to indicate the total or final value. For example, "The total expenses "amount to" $500."

Is "add up to" a better alternative to "sum to"?

Yes, "add up to" is a grammatically sound alternative. You can say, "The costs "add up to" a significant amount."

Which is correct, "sum to" or "amount to"?

"Amount to" is the grammatically correct choice. While "sum to" is sometimes used, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Instead use "amount to" or "add up to".