the total outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the total outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the complete amount of money spent or invested in a particular project or activity. Example: "The total outlay for the new marketing campaign exceeded our initial budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The total outlay has been less than £7m.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked if the total outlay would break $2,000, Mr. Reid said, "Maybe..

The New York Times

The marketing costs for "John Carter" will reportedly push the total outlay for this farrago to three hundred and fifty or even four hundred million dollars.

The New Yorker

Even by this simple yardstick, if the American military presence in the region lasts another five years, the total outlay for the war could stretch to more than $1.3 trillion, or $11,300 for every household in the United States.

The New York Times

A local authority paid an agency £645 a day for more than a year to provide a social care manager, it is claimed The public sector union Unison has calculated that at the rate paid by Manchester council for the senior manager in the council's children, families and social care department, the total outlay amounted to £190,000.

The Guardian

Throw in the similar sum likely to be spent on the down-the-card contests, for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 Senate seats (one third of the total), as well as a dozen governors' races, and the total outlay for Election 2012 may reach an unprecedented $6bn ,equivalent to roughly $50 for every likely voter.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Add to this the salaries of federation employees dedicated to the Olympic campaign, and the total outlays are more than $1 million — sometimes much more.

The New York Times

In a dizzying Malthusian maelstrom the total outlays of the federal government have more than doubled in just 11 years.

Huffington Post

But as you'll see in the story, there's no attempt to put the costs into any context -- specifically, there's no mention that an escalation in Afghanistan would mean outlays for the one-year Pentagon budget is approaching the total outlays of the entire 10-year health care bill.

Huffington Post

From the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) [39], we obtained a historical record of the US federal budget that contains the total outlays since 1956 (see Table 1).

Plosone

The estimated total outlay over two years would be £61,899, compared with £62,374 for the Norwich & Peterborough loan.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project budgets or financial planning, use "the total outlay" to clearly communicate the comprehensive cost, including all direct and indirect expenses. This ensures transparency and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "the total outlay" when referring to the results or achievements of a project. "Outlay" specifically denotes the expenditure, not the outcome; use terms like "the final result" or "the achieved goal" to describe the accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total outlay" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the complete sum of money expended on a particular project, activity, or item. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total outlay" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the complete cost or expenditure associated with something. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, it's important to use it accurately, particularly in financial and project-related contexts. Consider the alternatives provided for nuanced communication, and avoid confusing "outlay" with "outcome". While it's most frequent in news and media sources, the phrase is versatile enough for various settings. Its moderate frequency suggests that while not ubiquitous, it's a reliably understood and accepted term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the overall expenditure

This alternative uses 'expenditure' which emphasizes the action of spending money, rather than the amount itself.

the complete cost

Using 'complete cost' focuses on the final, all-inclusive price, simplifying the terminology.

the sum cost

This alternative replaces total with 'sum' focusing on the aggregate of all the expenses.

the aggregate expense

Aggregate expense emphasizes the cumulative aspect of the spending with a more formal tone.

the overall expenses

By pluralizing 'expenses', this suggests that multiple costs are involved that need to be considered when calculating the whole amount.

the grand total

This alternative uses 'grand total' which can imply a more significant or substantial amount.

the full price

Swapping 'outlay' for 'price' shifts the focus to what something costs in total, rather than the spending process.

the total investment

If the outlay is expected to generate returns, investment is a valid alternative that introduces the idea of future benefits.

the financial commitment

This phrase highlights the obligation of having to expend the money, rather than the specific quantity of the expenditure.

the monetary commitment

Replacing 'financial' by 'monetary' adds a bit of specificity to what is being spent, while still keeping the emphasis on commitment.

FAQs

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

You can use "the total outlay" when referring to the complete cost of something. For example, "The total outlay for the project was higher than expected."

What phrases can I use instead of "the total outlay"?

You can use alternatives like "the overall expenditure", "the complete cost", or "the aggregate expense" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "total outlays" instead of "the total outlay"?

While "total outlays" is grammatically correct, it is less common. "The total outlay" is typically used to refer to a specific, singular expense, whereas "total outlays" may refer to multiple expenses or a sum of several expenditures. Consider the context to decide the best option.

What is the difference between "the total outlay" and "the initial investment"?

"The total outlay" refers to the complete cost of something, whereas "the initial investment" refers to the amount of money invested at the beginning of a project or venture. The initial investment is part of the total outlay.