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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
sum used
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "sum used" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to a total or amount that has been utilized, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The total amount of funds sum used for the project was not disclosed."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
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
10 human-written examples
The typical sum used to buy an annuity before compulsion was abolished was around £40,000.
News & Media
If the evidence takes the form of a numerical score, then the sum used in the denominator of the above calculation will have to be replaced by an integral.
Encyclopedias
As for claims that the withdrawn money was being re-invested, 44 per cent of those who took a lump sum used it to pay off debts and a further 28 per cent opted for a holiday or car.
News & Media
There are still two possible threats to her job.First, Italian magistrates allege that a sum used by Mr Mills to pay off that mortgage came from Mr Berlusconi, as a reward for testimony that, as Mr Mills wrote to his accountant, "kept Mr B out of a great deal of trouble".
News & Media
Weighted sum used for running Eq. 3 over data.
Science
The notion of sum used could be the join operation ∨ in a join semi-lattice.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
"We have accessed some of the tax-free lump sum, using this to pay off the mortgage," Hyams says.
News & Media
If you have a more modest sum, use a fund.
News & Media
Beylkin and Monzón [10] have introduced approximation of a function by exponential sum using results of the Hankel matrix.
Determined to try again, Massey has since bought back the company for an undisclosed sum, using his own capital and some from new investors.
News & Media
The platform is the first product to come out of InMobi's acquisition of Metaflow Solutions, an app management and distribution startup it bought last year for an undisclosed sum, using some of the proceeds of a $200 million investment led by Softbank.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing amounts, consider using more precise and common terms like "amount utilized" or "total expended" instead of "sum used" to improve clarity and avoid grammatical ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using overly complex or uncommon phrasing when simpler alternatives exist. "Sum used" can be directly replaced with "amount utilized" for better understanding.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "sum used" functions as a verb phrase intended to describe the utilization of an amount or total. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is not considered grammatically sound in standard English.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "sum used" appears in various contexts, including science and news, it's not considered grammatically ideal. Ludwig AI flags it as potentially incorrect, suggesting clearer alternatives like "amount utilized" or "total expended". Its usage frequency is uncommon, and authoritative sources are varied. Therefore, while understandable, it's advisable to use more conventional phrasing for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. Choosing stronger alternatives can enhance your writing's precision and impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
amount utilized
Replaces "sum" with "amount" for a more common and direct expression.
total expended
Focuses on the action of spending or using funds, implying a complete consumption.
budget utilized
Refers to the portion of a budget that has been put to use.
aggregate applied
More formal, suitable for technical or financial contexts where precision is needed.
portion employed
Highlights the usage of a part or share of something.
funds allocated
Emphasizes the designation of resources for a specific purpose before use.
quantity administered
Suggests a controlled or managed application of a certain amount.
resources consumed
Highlights the depletion aspect of using resources, suitable for environmental or economic discussions.
capital invested
Specifically refers to financial resources used for investment purposes.
the amount in question
Emphasizes the specific amount being referred to or discussed.
FAQs
What's a clearer way to say "sum used"?
Instead of "sum used", use phrases like "amount utilized" or "total expended" for better clarity.
Is "sum used" grammatically correct?
While understandable, "sum used" is not the most grammatically sound phrase. Alternatives like "amount utilized" are preferable.
When can I use "sum used"?
"Sum used" can be acceptable in specific technical contexts, but it's generally safer to opt for clearer alternatives like "funds allocated" or "resources consumed" depending on the context.
What are some formal alternatives to "sum used"?
For formal contexts, consider using "aggregate applied" or "capital invested" instead of "sum used".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested