total by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific amount or figure that results from a calculation or comparison. Example: "The total by which the expenses exceeded the budget was alarming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(The larger figure is the total by which Mr. Rowland said income taxes would have dropped since he took office in 1995, had this latest proposal been approved).

The New York Times

The registration statement does not set out yet how many A shares will be sold on the market, nor the price which will be set, and therefore the total by which the family is seeking to reduce United's huge debt.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What is the total amount by which electrical signaling is modulated as a result of call recurrence rate?

Plosone

The amount by which total income will increase can be computed through an algebraic formula for such progressions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We estimate that to meet the annual allowable cut (AAC) of approximately 375,000 cubic metres (m3), the firm loses $500,000 annually (measured by the amount by which total harvesting costs exceed log values delivered at the mill).

Forest Policy and Economics

where, λ k is the surplus variable for SU k and represents the amount by which the total allocated rate is exceeded.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"The Cabinet Office now estimates that the centres will deliver savings of around £484m in total by 2023-24, whicomparesres unfavourably with the anticipated £300m to £400m a year savings set out in the next generation shared services strategy in 2012".

The Guardian

Total bartender rock" — by which he means the stuff that bartenders, left to our own devices, play the most (at least in Brooklyn).

The New York Times - Magazine

The biopower is the total of mechanisms by which something that determining biological features of the human kind can penetrate into politics, political strategies, into the general strategy of power (Foucault 2009).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Though some groups advocate total sexual abstinence, by which they mean the avoidance of all sexual activity, in the context of birth control the term usually means abstinence from vaginal intercourse.

Wikipedia

The 18S rDNA copy numbers were determined by the absolute quantitation method, by which total copies were first calculated using the following equation: total 18S rDNA copies = 10([ CT − b]/ m ).

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "total by which", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being totaled and what it is being compared against to derive the difference. For instance, specify "the total amount by which expenses exceeded revenue".

Common error

Avoid using "total by which" when referring to single, isolated instances. This phrase implies an aggregate or cumulative difference, not a one-time deviation. It's more appropriate when discussing accumulated changes or differences over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total by which" functions as a prepositional phrase used to quantify a difference or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to specify a calculated amount, such as in the examples provided, indicating a specific value derived from a comparison.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total by which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to precisely quantify a cumulative difference or extent. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's relatively rare, often appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial: ensure you specify what's being totaled and compared. Alternatives like "overall amount of" or "aggregate extent of" may offer a suitable substitute, depending on the desired nuance and context. Be mindful that "total by which" implies an aggregate, not a single instance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total quantity that

Rephrases "by which" with "that", focusing on the quantity aspect.

overall amount of

Emphasizes the cumulative quantity, shifting focus from the difference to the final sum.

complete margin of

Substitutes "total" with "complete" and "by which" with "margin of", highlighting the difference or gap between two values.

aggregate extent of

Replaces "total" with "aggregate" and "by which" with "extent of", indicating a cumulative measure or scope.

cumulative difference between

Highlights the ongoing accumulation of the difference, instead of a single value.

the sum representing

Replaces with a sum representing the overall result.

net increase of

Specifically refers to the increase amount, limiting scope.

full measure of

Uses "full measure of" to indicate the total impact or degree, changing the vocabulary used.

overall reduction in

Focuses on a decrease or reduction, changing the direction of the quantity.

combined effect on

Emphasizes the impact or consequence, with reduced similarity.

FAQs

How can I use "total by which" in a sentence?

Use "total by which" to specify a cumulative amount of difference or change. For example, "The total by which this year's profits exceeded last year's is significant."

What's a good alternative to "total by which"?

Consider using alternatives like "overall amount of", or "aggregate extent of", depending on the context. These options may offer clarity or better suit the tone of your writing.

Is it correct to say "the total by which the expenses increased"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. However, ensure the context is clear and specifies the base value against which the expenses increased. A clearer phrasing might be "the total by which the expenses increased compared to the budget".

What's the difference between "total by which" and "amount by which"?

"Total by which" implies a cumulative sum, while "amount by which" can refer to a single instance. Use "total" when aggregating multiple instances of difference.