the total was

USAGE SUMMARY

"the total was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement or description of the final sum or amount of something. Here is an example: "The total was $100,000, which was significantly higher than we had anticipated." In this sentence, "the total was" introduces the final amount of $100,000 and provides context for the following statement. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as in finance, accounting, shopping, or any situation where a final sum or amount is being discussed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The total was 165.

Harvard University

The total was more than $23.5m.

Independent

Last year, the total was $3.4 billion.

The New York Times

The total was eight, not six.

The New York Times

"But the total was probably one month".

The New Yorker

In June, the total was 15,787.

The Guardian

For Toyota, the total was 40,277.

The New York Times

The total was well over one hundred.

The Guardian

Last year, the total was 1,134.

The Guardian - Tech

Last year, the total was 10.

The Guardian - Opinion

The total was the lowest figure since 2003.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the total was" when you want to clearly state the final amount after a calculation, summary, or process. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "the total was" unnecessarily in passive constructions where an active voice would be more direct. For instance, instead of "The total was calculated by the team", prefer "The team calculated the total".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the total was" serves as a linking phrase, connecting a preceding context (often a calculation or enumeration) to its quantitative result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a stated final sum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the total was" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a final sum or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news and media, and academic settings, where clarity and directness are valued. While the phrase is generally suitable, it's important to avoid overuse in passive constructions and ensure the tense aligns with the context. When looking for alternatives, "the sum amounted to", "the final count was", and "it all added up to" offer slight nuances in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in conclusion, the total was

Adds an introductory phrase to signal the final result.

the grand total was

Adds emphasis to the final amount by using the word "grand".

the sum amounted to

Replaces "total" with "sum" and uses "amounted to" for a slightly more formal tone.

the overall figure stood at

Uses "overall figure" to represent the total and "stood at" to indicate the final amount.

the aggregate came to

Replaces "total" with "aggregate" and uses "came to" for a slightly more technical feel.

the end result totaled

Focuses on the outcome of a process and the resulting amount.

the final count was

Substitutes "total" with "final count", emphasizing the act of counting or enumeration.

the cumulative value reached

Emphasizes the accumulation process and the final value achieved.

it all added up to

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the final amount after calculation.

when all was said and done, it was

Introduces a more reflective tone, implying a conclusion after a process.

FAQs

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

Use "the total was" to introduce the final sum or amount. For example, "After adding all the expenses, "the total was" $500".

What are some alternatives to "the total was"?

You can use alternatives like "the sum amounted to", "the final count was", or "it all added up to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the total were"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. "Total" is singular, so you should use ""the total was"". Use "were" only with plural subjects.

What's the difference between "the total was" and "the total is"?

"The total was" refers to a past calculation or result, while "the total is" refers to a present or current calculation. For example, "Yesterday, "the total was" $100", but "Currently, the total is $120".