the total amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the total amount of" is correct and usable English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to the sum of something, such as money or a quantity of items. For example: "The total amount of money he received from the sale of his car was $4,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The total amount of RAM to allocate.

University of California, Berkeley

The total amount of grain has not been determined.

The New York Times

"(2) The total amount of the prizes awarded.

Cornell University

The total amount of damage cannot yet be estimated.

The Guardian

Conservation means reducing the total amount of energy we use.

The Economist

The total amount of government spending is about the same.

The Economist

The total amount of maturing debt will be much higher.

The New York Times

NOAA has not estimated the total amount of oil spilled.

The New York Times - Science

In the same period, the total amount of clothing donated for recycling decreased by about 20%, while the total amount of clothing discarded remained stable or grew.

The Guardian

The total amount of collected gas was 248.4 million m3.

Mining Science and Technology (China)

Refining decreased the total amount of phenolic compounds by 90%.

Food Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the total amount of", ensure you specify the units or items being measured to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "the total amount of rainfall" or "the total amount of donations".

Common error

Avoid using "the total amount for" when you mean "the total amount of". The preposition "of" correctly indicates what is being quantified, while "for" implies purpose or recipient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total amount of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, modifying a noun to specify a quantity or sum. It serves to indicate the overall quantity of something, whether it be a measurable substance, countable items, or an abstract concept. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total amount of" is a versatile phrase used to specify a quantity or sum across various contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage, highlighting its applicability in science, news, and general writing. While straightforward, remember to use specific units and avoid substituting "of" with "for". Alternatives such as "the aggregate of" or "the sum total of" can add subtle nuances. Overall, this phrase is a reliable way to express quantity accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aggregate of

This alternative replaces "total amount" with "aggregate", suggesting a collection or gathering of items.

the sum total of

Adds emphasis by using both "sum" and "total", highlighting the comprehensive nature of the quantity.

the entirety of

Shifts focus to the completeness of the quantity, suggesting that nothing is left out.

the overall quantity of

Replaces "total amount" with "overall quantity", emphasizing the extent or measurement.

the complete volume of

Focuses on volume, suitable for measurable substances or spaces, instead of a generic "amount".

the cumulative quantity of

Highlights the incremental addition to reach the final amount, emphasizing accumulation.

the grand total of

Implies a final calculation or summation, often used in financial contexts.

the combined measure of

Highlights the act of combining individual measures to get a final amount.

the full extent of

Emphasizes the maximum or largest possible quantity, focusing on scope or range.

the gross figure of

Suggests a figure before deductions, often used in financial or statistical reporting.

FAQs

How can I use "the total amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "the total amount of" to refer to the sum or quantity of something. For example, "The total amount of rainfall this year has exceeded expectations."

What are some alternatives to "the total amount of"?

Alternatives include "the aggregate of", "the sum total of", or "the overall quantity of", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the total amount of"?

While generally correct, "the total amount of" might be less suitable if a more specific term like "volume", "quantity", or "number" would provide greater clarity.

What's the difference between "the total amount of" and "the aggregate of"?

"The total amount of" generally refers to a sum, while "the aggregate of" emphasizes a collection of items or components contributing to the total.