the total number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'the total number of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the sum or aggregate of multiple items. Example sentence: The total number of cats in this neighborhood is three.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The total number of lines is variable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The total number of wounded was around 350, he said.

The New York Times

The total number of books printed in 2014 was 123m.

The Guardian

The total number of the woman's children: 17.

The New York Times

Unaffiliated voters outnumber the total number of Democrats and Republicans.

The New York Times

The total number of MPs can be adjusted to compensate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The total number of disloused persons this day was 600.

The New Yorker

The total number of family shelters is now 124.

The New York Times

It's the total number of snakes in Ireland (except pets).

The Guardian

The total number of vehicles affected is 1,189,906.

The Guardian - Business

The ceremony raised the total number of cardinals to 193.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the total number of", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being counted. For instance, specify "the total number of students" rather than just "the total number".

Common error

Avoid using "the total number of" without specifying what is being counted. Vague usage can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "the total number increased", clarify with "the total number of participants increased."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total number of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English, acting as a modifier that quantifies a noun, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total number of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that specifies a precise count. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in science, news, and media, aiming to provide clarity and specificity. While alternatives exist, such as "the overall quantity of", it's essential to choose the phrase that best fits the context, ensuring clarity and avoiding vague usage. By following best practices, you can effectively use "the total number of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the overall quantity of

Focuses on the quantity rather than the count.

the aggregate sum of

Emphasizes the combined sum of multiple entities.

the complete amount of

Highlights the completeness of the amount.

the cumulative count of

Stresses the accumulation of the count over time or instances.

the grand total of

Implies a final and significant total.

the exhaustive enumeration of

Highlights a detailed and comprehensive counting process.

the full tally of

Suggests a careful and complete accounting.

the comprehensive figure for

Focuses on the figure representing a complete overview.

the consolidated measure of

Implies a gathering and combining into a single measure.

the inclusive reckoning of

Stresses that all items are included in the calculation.

FAQs

How do I use "the total number of" in a sentence?

Use "the total number of" to specify the sum or aggregate of a particular group or category. For example, "The total number of students enrolled is 250."

What can I say instead of "the total number of"?

You can use alternatives like "the overall quantity of", "the aggregate sum of", or "the complete amount of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "the total number of" or "a number of the total number of"?

"The total number of" is generally more direct and concise. "A number of the total number of" can be redundant. Opt for "the total number of" for clarity.

What's the difference between "the total number of" and "a number of"?

"The total number of" refers to the complete count, while "a number of" indicates an unspecified quantity. For example, "the total number of attendees" specifies the exact count, whereas "a number of attendees" indicates there were multiple attendees without specifying how many.