the sum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sum of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when referring to a total amount when adding multiple numbers together. Example: "The sum of 2 and 5 is 7."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sum of their advice?

The New York Times

The sum of who we are.

The New York Times

What remained was the sum of €770.

The Economist

This is the sum of two parts.

The Economist

"You are the sum of it all".

The New York Times - Books

That is the sum of the allegations.

The New York Times - Sports

to complete the sum of 300,000fr.

The New York Times

The sum of each payout is unclear.

The New York Times

The Sum of Us.

The Guardian - Books

That's the sum of it.

The Guardian

The sum of their parts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the sum of", ensure that the elements being added are clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, "The sum of the project costs exceeded the initial budget."

Common error

Avoid using "the sum of" when referring to non-additive or abstract concepts. It is more appropriate to use "the essence of" or "the core of" when describing such ideas. For example, instead of saying "The sum of the problem is miscommunication", say "The core of the problem is miscommunication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sum of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a total or aggregate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used when referring to a total amount when adding multiple numbers together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sum of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a total or aggregate. As Ludwig AI verifies, this phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts. With a neutral register and frequent appearance in news, academic, and scientific sources, "the sum of" is a versatile expression for both numerical and conceptual combinations. When using "the sum of", ensure it aligns with the elements being combined, and be mindful of alternative phrases like "the total of" or "the aggregate of" for slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the total of

Replaces "sum" with "total", emphasizing the final amount reached after addition.

the aggregate of

Substitutes "sum" with "aggregate", highlighting the collection of different elements into a unified whole.

the entirety of

Emphasizes completeness rather than a numerical result.

the combination of

Focuses on the process of combining elements rather than the final quantity.

the accumulation of

Highlights the gradual increase or gathering of something over time.

the amount of

A more general term that can refer to a quantity or extent.

the grand total of

Adds emphasis to the final sum, suggesting a significant quantity.

the culmination of

Focuses on the final result achieved after a series of events or actions.

the whole of

Indicates the entire extent or scope of something.

the gross of

Refers to a total before deductions, often used in financial contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "the sum of" to indicate the total when adding multiple numerical values or elements. For example, "The sum of their contributions was significant."

What phrases are similar to "the sum of"?

Alternatives include "the total of", "the aggregate of", or "the amount of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "the sum of" for non-numerical concepts?

While primarily used for numerical values, "the sum of" can also describe the combination of non-numerical elements when they contribute to a whole. However, for abstract concepts, phrases like "the essence of" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the sum of" and "the total of"?

While both phrases indicate a combined amount, "the sum of" often implies a more direct addition of elements, whereas "the total of" can refer to a broader aggregation or calculation.