the sum total is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sum total is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing or concluding a calculation or assessment of quantities or values. Example: "After reviewing all the expenses and income, the sum total is $5,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Yet the sum total is very Chinese.

The New York Times - Arts

The sum total is a silly, fun night that's perfect for comedy lovers.

The Guardian

The sum total is far more satisfying and tougher to shake off.

The New York Times

The sum total is the emergence of a new regional order without the United States.

The Washington Post

The sum total is worth more than its parts, and that works for the wider franchise in general.

The Guardian - Film

What Neil has been good at is getting the parts to work together so the sum total is greater".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Part fairytale, part old France, the sum total was uniquely Madagascan.

The Guardian - Travel

(The sum total was far below minimum wage; breaking the contract that I had signed cost me more than I had earned, and almost killed me).

Huffington Post

"People reporting dollar figures drives me nuts," Goldstein said of reporters' tendency to report ad buys simply by the sum total being spent.

Huffington Post

Alternatives are then socially ordered in terms of the sums of their scores across voters: the alternative with the largest sum-total is top, the alternative with the second-largest sum-total next, and so on.

SEP

The sum is the total of the numbers added.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sum total is" to introduce a summary or conclusion based on multiple contributing factors. This helps to clearly signal the final result or assessment to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the sum total is" when simply stating the result of a straightforward addition. Reserve it for situations where the total represents a more complex synthesis or evaluation of multiple elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sum total is" functions as a transitional phrase that introduces a summary, conclusion, or overall assessment. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it connects multiple factors to a final result, providing a comprehensive understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sum total is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a final assessment or conclusion after considering multiple factors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "the end result is" or "the overall effect is" exist, "the sum total is" effectively signals a comprehensive evaluation. When writing, remember to reserve it for situations that warrant a synthesized judgment rather than a simple additive result. Its frequent use and source diversity make it a reliable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the end result is

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a series of actions or events.

the overall effect is

Emphasizes the comprehensive impact or impression.

the net result is

Highlights the final outcome after accounting for all factors.

the grand total is

Stresses the culmination of individual elements into one final value or figure.

the upshot is

Suggests a concise conclusion derived from preceding details.

the final reckoning is

Emphasizes a concluding judgment or assessment.

the cumulative effect is

Highlights the combined impact of multiple elements over time.

all things considered

Introduces a summary judgment after taking everything into account.

when all is said and done

Implies a final conclusion after a prolonged process or discussion.

the ultimate consequence is

Focuses on the long-term repercussions.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sum total is" to introduce a conclusion or a summary after considering several factors. For instance, "After evaluating all aspects of the project, the sum total is a resounding success".

What are some alternatives to "the sum total is"?

Alternatives include "the end result is", "the overall effect is", or "the net result is", depending on the context.

Is "the sum total are" grammatically correct?

No, "the sum total are" is incorrect. "Sum total" is considered a singular noun phrase, so it requires the singular verb form "is".

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

"The total is" generally refers to a simple calculation. "The sum total is" often implies a more comprehensive assessment, taking into account various contributing factors beyond just simple addition.