the overall sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the overall sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the total amount resulting from the addition of various parts or components. Example: "After reviewing all the expenses, we calculated the overall sum to be $5,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While the overall sum is large, the money will flow to different parties.

The New York Times

Ireland will provide €17.5 billion of the overall sum from its own reserves (including pension-related funds).

The Economist

"A pay structure with a low variable and a higher fixed salary," he said, "actually provides better incentives, even if the overall sum is the same".

The New York Times

According to Utilitarianism, which considers the goodness of an action to reside in how much it increases the overall sum of happiness, there is no problem for Jim - he should simply kill one of them.

The Guardian

This makes little sense in conventional economic terms: going to school is so beneficial that families should not need extra incentives and the overall sum available did not change.

The Economist

Lawmakers at the European Parliament cast doubt on that plan Wednesday, casting 506 votes in favor of a resolution demanding significant changes to the way the money should be spent and the option to raise the overall sum in the coming years.

The New York Times

The objective function minimizes the overall sum of the reactor volumes.

Chemical Engineering Journal

These schedulers aim at minimizing the overall sum of transaction times.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

In case, users with poor channels are served, which have only a marginal contribution to the overall sum MOS.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

However, due to the strict proportionality, the utilization of subcarriers is low and thus decreasing the overall sum rate.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The overall sum is well under Patterson's 135 figure, the scientists report online today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the overall sum", ensure that it clearly refers to a quantity derived from adding multiple components. For emphasis, you can precede it with adjectives like 'significant' or 'substantial'.

Common error

Avoid using "the overall sum" when you're only referring to a single, non-composite value. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the combined result of various elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the overall sum" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, representing a total or aggregate amount. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to describe a calculation or an aggregation of different components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "the overall sum" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that clearly denotes the total amount resulting from the addition of multiple components. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve it for situations where you wish to highlight the combination of individual values into a larger, consolidated figure. Consider alternatives such as "the total amount" or "the aggregate total" for nuanced differences. Avoid using it when referring to a single, non-composite value. Therefore, understanding its purpose and application ensures clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the total amount

Emphasizes the final quantity without focusing on the individual components that make it up.

the aggregate total

Highlights the process of combining multiple figures into one grand total.

the combined total

Focuses on the act of joining separate elements to reach a final sum.

the grand total

Suggests a more significant or impressive sum than simply a "total amount".

the total aggregate

Combines the notions of summation and collection into a single value.

the final reckoning

Implies a concluding calculation or assessment of all factors involved.

the cumulative value

Stresses the incremental accumulation of values over time or across categories.

the consolidated figure

Highlights the merging of multiple accounts or items into one summary number.

the complete summation

Underscores the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the addition process.

the unified total

Focuses on the coming together of formerly distinct quantities into a cohesive whole.

FAQs

How can I use "the overall sum" in a sentence?

You can use "the overall sum" to refer to the total amount or result after adding several quantities together. For example, "The audit revealed that "the overall sum" of the expenses exceeded the budget."

What are some alternatives to "the overall sum"?

Alternatives include "the total amount", "the aggregate total", or "the combined total". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "the overall sum" and "the total"?

"The total" is a more general term referring to the whole quantity. "The overall sum" specifically emphasizes that the total was obtained by adding multiple parts together.

When is it appropriate to use "the overall sum" in formal writing?

It's suitable when you need to be precise about how a figure was derived. For example, when summarizing financial data or research results, ""the overall sum"" clearly indicates that you are presenting the result of an addition.