the total is

USAGE SUMMARY

"the total is" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when stating the sum or overall amount of something. Some examples of when you can use it are: 1. "The total is $50." 2. "After adding all the numbers together, the total is 100." 3. "I'm sorry, but the total is incorrect. It should be $75, not $70." 4. "The total for the project came out to be much higher than expected." 5. "Please review your receipt to ensure that the total is correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The total is rising fast.

The Economist

The total is not exactly startling.

The Economist

And the total is what matters.

The Economist

The total is not 112.

The New York Times

The total is 78 cents.

The New York Times - Sports

The total is not known.

The New York Times

Now the total is $567.

The New York Times

The total is less than 15.

The New York Times - Sports

The total is not 2.6 million pounds.

The New York Times

So far this year, the total is $25.9 billion.

The Economist

The total is $\$437$ per week.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the total is", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being totaled. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the items or values that contribute to the total.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands what contributes to "the total". Explicitly state the components being summed to prevent misinterpretations or assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total is" functions as a declarative statement that introduces the final amount or sum of a calculation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application across various contexts, such as stating costs, populations, or quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a final amount or sum. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread application. Analysis of numerous examples indicates that the phrase is primarily used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, serving to convey information with clarity and precision. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what contributes to the total to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sum is

Replaces "total" with "sum", focusing on the arithmetic result of addition.

the aggregate is

Uses "aggregate" instead of "total", implying a collection of items combined into a single amount.

the final count is

Highlights the process of counting to reach the total.

the grand total is

Emphasizes that the total represents a complete or ultimate sum.

the combined amount is

Focuses on the act of combining multiple amounts to arrive at the total.

the overall figure is

Replaces "total" with "overall figure", suggesting a general or comprehensive number.

the end result is

Shifts focus to the outcome or consequence of a calculation or process.

the culmination is

Highlights the idea that the total is the peak point or final stage of a process.

the net result is

Indicates the final amount after deductions or adjustments.

the tally is

Uses the word "tally" as a synonym for total, often used in the context of counting votes.

FAQs

How do I use "the total is" in a sentence?

Use "the total is" to state the final amount or sum after a calculation or aggregation. For example, "After adding all expenses, "the total is" $500".

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

You can use phrases like "the sum is", "the aggregate is", or "the final count is" as alternatives, depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the total are" instead of "the total is"?

No, "the total is" is grammatically correct. "Total" is singular in this context, referring to a single summed amount, so the verb should also be singular. "The total are" is incorrect.

What does "the total is" imply in a financial context?

In a financial context, "the total is" typically refers to the final amount due, including all costs, taxes, and fees. It's the final figure that needs to be paid or accounted for.