Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
total membership
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "total membership" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the complete number of members in a group, organization, or community. Example: "The total membership of the club has increased significantly over the past year."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
That brings total membership to 72.39 million.
News & Media
Estimates placed total membership at 50,000.
Encyclopedias
Has total membership in civic organizations declined?
Academia
* 562 currently recognized tribes; total membership, 1.6 million.
News & Media
Women comprise about half of the Ardsley club's total membership.
News & Media
That accounts for about 15percentt of his total membership.
News & Media
In 1939 the Bund's total membership was about 20,000.
Encyclopedias
From 2003 to 2008, membership of women nearly doubled, composing about a third of total membership.
News & Media
Under the old rules, these people were not allowed to exceed 10% of the total membership.
News & Media
Total membership, including Medicare and health plans administered for self-insured employers, was 1.51 million.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
Fellow status for ACM is limited to the top 1% of total membership.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When comparing membership numbers over time, use "total membership" to provide a clear baseline for comparison (e.g., 'The organization's total membership increased from 1000 in 2020 to 1500 in 2024').
Common error
Avoid using "total membership" when referring only to active or participating members. Clarify if the figure excludes inactive, honorary, or other categories of members to prevent misunderstanding.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "total membership" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the entire count of members within a group or organization. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Academia
27%
Encyclopedias
11%
Less common in
Science
9%
Formal & Business
7%
Wiki
6%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "total membership" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that quantifies the entire count of members within a group or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase is most commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to all members, and specify the timeframe for clarity. The related phrases, such as "overall enrollment" or "complete membership", can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
complete membership
A direct synonym, emphasizing the inclusion of all members without exception.
overall enrollment
Refers specifically to the number of individuals enrolled in an organization or institution, particularly in an educational context.
aggregate member count
Implies a more formal or statistical approach to counting members, often used in reports or analyses.
full roster of members
Emphasizes the completeness of the list of members, suggesting that all members are accounted for.
total number of participants
Broader term that encompasses anyone involved in a group or activity, not necessarily formal members.
sum of enrolled individuals
Highlights the act of enrollment and the total number of individuals who have registered.
entire body of associates
A more formal way of referring to all the individuals affiliated with an organization, often implying a professional context.
combined head count
Focuses on the numerical value of members, suitable for statistical reports or summaries.
comprehensive registry of affiliates
A formal and detailed list of all individuals or entities officially connected to an organization.
gross subscriber base
Specifically used for organizations that operate on a subscription model, highlighting the total number of subscribers.
FAQs
How is "total membership" typically calculated?
The "total membership" usually includes all individuals who have formally joined an organization, regardless of their activity level or membership status (e.g., active, inactive, honorary). Always check the specific organization's definition for clarity.
What can I say instead of "total membership"?
You can use alternatives like "overall enrollment", "aggregate member count", or "complete membership" depending on the context.
Is it correct to use "total membership" when some members are inactive?
Yes, "total membership" generally includes all members, even those who are inactive. However, for clarity, you might specify "total active membership" or "total inactive membership" if you want to distinguish between the two groups.
What's the difference between "total membership" and "active membership"?
"Total membership" refers to all individuals who are members of an organization, while "active membership" refers only to those members who are currently participating or in good standing. The active membership number is usually lower than the "total membership".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested