the sum total

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sum total" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the total amount of something. For example, "After adding up all the expenses, the sum total was $50."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the sum total is very Chinese.

The New York Times - Arts

"That was the sum total of due diligence".

The Guardian

The sum total of these failures had hastened his death.

The New Yorker

This is the sum total of our relationship.

The Guardian - Tech

The sum total of these new welfare processes is bleak.

The Guardian

That was the sum total of my female reading.

The Guardian - Books

And the sum total of all this is improvement?

The Guardian

That's the sum total of his experience of Woodstock.

The Guardian - Music

That was the sum total of their conversation.

The New Yorker

The sum total of that is a mess.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's the sum total of my interaction with her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sum total" to clearly indicate the complete amount, effect, or scope when you want to emphasize the comprehensive nature of something.

Common error

Avoid using "the sum total" in contexts where the word "total" alone would suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a cumulative effect or a comprehensive overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sum total" functions as a determiner and noun phrase, indicating the complete amount or aggregate of something. It is used to emphasize the entirety of a collection or calculation, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the sum total" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the complete amount or entirety of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys completeness and a final reckoning. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy and use it when emphasizing a cumulative effect is desired. Alternatives like "the aggregate" or "the entirety" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aggregate

This alternative focuses on the collection of individual items into a combined whole.

the entirety

This alternative emphasizes completeness and the whole extent of something.

the whole amount

This option directly indicates the complete quantity or measure.

the grand total

This alternative is best suited for numerical sums, emphasizing the final result of addition.

the complete picture

This alternative is used to emphasize the comprehension of the entire situation after considering all aspects.

the overall result

This phrase highlights the final outcome or consequence of a process or situation.

the culmination

This alternative indicates the highest point or final stage of a process, representing the accumulation of efforts.

the final tally

Similar to "grand total", this refers to the ultimate count, especially in competitive scenarios.

the full scope

This option refers to the complete extent or range of something.

the inclusive whole

This alternative emphasizes the incorporation of all elements into a unified entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sum total" to describe a final amount, the result of a process, or the entirety of something. For example: "The sum total of his achievements was impressive."

What phrases are similar to "the sum total"?

Similar phrases include "the aggregate", "the entirety", or "the grand total". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "total sum" instead of "the sum total"?

While "total sum" is understandable, "the sum total" is generally preferred and considered more idiomatic in English. Using "the sum total" can provide a slightly greater emphasis on completeness.

What is the difference between "the sum total" and "the whole"?

"The sum total" usually refers to a calculated or accumulated amount, while "the whole" refers to something complete or undivided. You might say "the sum total of expenses" but "the whole pie".