sums at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sums at stake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential financial or emotional consequences of a situation or decision. Example: "In this negotiation, there are significant sums at stake that could impact both parties' futures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 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

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

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

The New York Times

Advocates of fuller corporate disclosure say the sums at stake are vast.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sums at stake" to clearly emphasize the significance of the amount involved, highlighting the potential impact of a decision or event.

Common error

Avoid using "sums at stake" when referring to non-monetary consequences. This phrase specifically relates to financial implications and is not appropriate for describing emotional or ethical considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sums at stake" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a situation or decision, emphasizing the financial implications or potential monetary risk involved. It is often used to highlight the importance of something in a financial context, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

4%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sums at stake" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the financial implications or potential monetary risks associated with a situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. The phrase is generally neutral but leans toward professional, making it suitable for conveying significant financial information. When writing, remember to use "sums at stake" specifically for financial consequences and not for broader emotional or ethical matters. Remember, context is key to appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

financial stakes

Specifically highlights the financial aspect of what is at risk.

stakes involved

Broader term referring to anything that could be gained or lost; not necessarily monetary.

amounts involved

Focuses on the quantity or value being discussed, rather than the risk.

capital at risk

Implies a more formal, investment-oriented context where capital is being exposed to potential loss.

money in question

Emphasizes the monetary aspect and introduces an element of doubt or debate.

potential losses

Highlights the negative consequences, focusing on what could be lost.

possible gains

Focuses on the positive outcomes or benefits that could be achieved.

interests involved

Refers to the parties or entities that have something to gain or lose.

issues at hand

Shifts the focus to the problems or matters currently being dealt with.

matters in dispute

Highlights the disagreement or conflict that exists.

FAQs

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

You can use "sums at stake" to emphasize the importance of money or assets in a particular situation. For example, "With such large "sums at stake", careful planning is essential."

What are some alternatives to "sums at stake"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "amounts involved", "financial stakes", or "money in question".

Is it better to say "sums at stake" or "amount at stake"?

"Sums at stake" is generally used when referring to a large or significant amount of money. "Amount at stake" can be used for smaller or less significant quantities. The choice depends on the context and the magnitude you wish to convey.

What does "sums at stake" imply?

The phrase "sums at stake" implies that there are significant potential financial consequences, either positive or negative, depending on the outcome of a particular situation. It highlights the importance of careful consideration and decision-making.