the total sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the total sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the complete amount resulting from the addition of multiple values or figures. Example: "After calculating all the expenses, the total sum came to $1,500."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The total sum is '200'200

The Guardian - Music

This quantity is known as the total sum of squares.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lenders add the cost to the loan and calculate interest based on the total sum.

The Guardian - Business

The total sum will rise as the number of exam-takers rises.

The New York Times

It is the total sum of all our carbon emissions that will determine the impacts.

The Guardian

The total sum involved was £1m according to a report to the Fifa ethics committee.

The Guardian - Sport

Mamma Mia and Cats currently make up the total sum of musical theatre in China.

The Guardian - Opinion

If specified, the total sum will be calculated inside the region.

Harvard University

The total sum they obtained was 260,000 Renminbi (£21,500).

The Guardian

That figure is said to be the total sum claimed from benefits, including child benefit.

The Guardian

The target value for the total sum of genotoxic chemicals, the total sum of steroid hormones and the total sum of all other organic compounds were set at 0.01, 0.01 and 1.0 μg/L, respectively.

Water Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the total sum" when you want to emphasize the final amount after adding multiple figures. This phrase is particularly effective in reports or summaries where clarity is essential.

Common error

Avoid using redundant words like "absolute" or "exact" before "the total sum", as "total" already implies completeness. For example, instead of saying "the absolute total sum", simply use "the total sum".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total sum" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates the entirety of a calculated amount. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total sum" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that indicates a complete or aggregate amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news reporting, scientific literature, and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral to formal, avoiding redundancy and choosing precise language ensures effective communication. Consider alternatives like "the aggregate amount" or "the overall amount" in formal settings. Ultimately, using "the total sum" effectively contributes to clarity and precision in reporting numerical information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aggregate amount

Emphasizes the collection of individual items into a unified whole.

the overall amount

Highlights the comprehensive quantity without focusing on individual components.

the complete total

Focuses on the completeness of the final figure.

the sum total

A slightly more emphatic way of saying "the total sum", reinforcing the idea of a complete accumulation.

the total figure

Simply replaces "sum" with "figure", maintaining the core meaning.

the final tally

Implies a formal calculation or count, often used in contexts like elections or scores.

the grand total

Suggests a significant or impressive sum, often used in financial or statistical contexts.

the combined sum

Stresses the action of bringing individual parts together to form the whole.

the cumulative amount

Focuses on the gradual increase or accumulation of quantities over time.

the net amount

Specifies the amount remaining after deductions or adjustments have been made.

FAQs

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

You can use "the total sum" to refer to a complete amount. For example: "After adding up all the expenses, /s/the+total+sum was surprisingly high."

What's a formal alternative to "the total sum"?

In formal contexts, consider using "the aggregate amount" or "the overall amount". These phrases convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it redundant to say "total sum amount"?

Yes, saying "total sum amount" is redundant. The word "amount" is already implied in "the total sum", so it's best to omit it for conciseness.

What is the difference between "the total sum" and "the net amount"?

"The total sum" refers to the complete amount before any deductions, while "the net amount" refers to the final amount after deductions or adjustments have been applied.