total number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the sum of multiple numbers or parts. For example, "The total number of students in our school is 500".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Total number of clicks: 2.

The New York Times

I looked at the total number.

The Economist

Total number of albums named: thirty-eight.

The New Yorker

Total number of people surveyed was 1717.

The Guardian

The total number of lines is variable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Total Number of Perpetrators: One.

The New York Times - Books

Total number of network contacts was 12".

The New York Times

The total number could be higher.

The Guardian

The total number sold is unknown.

The New York Times

The total number can be debated.

The New York Times

The total number of samples was 1936.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "total number", ensure you clearly define what is being counted to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "total number of students" rather than just "total number".

Common error

Avoid using "total number" without specifying the units or entities being counted. Always provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total number" functions as a noun phrase used to quantify a specific set of items or entities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and high frequency across various contexts. It often serves as a determiner specifying the quantity of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “total number” is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the sum of a count. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is prevalent across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. When utilizing this phrase, ensure you provide ample context to enhance clarity. While alternatives exist, "total number" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey quantity. Its versatility and consistent usage solidify its place as a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total amount

This is a simpler way of mentioning an amount without referencing the count.

aggregate quantity

Emphasizes combining individual quantities into a larger sum.

overall count

Focuses on the complete enumeration of items.

entire sum

Highlights the completeness of the addition.

cumulative amount

Implies the accumulation of a quantity over time or iterations.

grand total

Suggests a final, comprehensive summation.

complete tally

Stresses the thoroughness of the counting process.

final figure

Highlights that the number is the concluding result.

net quantity

Implies the quantity after deductions or adjustments.

absolute number

Focuses on the value of a number without regards to sign.

FAQs

How do I use "total number" in a sentence?

You can use "total number" to describe the quantity of something, such as "The total number of participants was 500" or "What is the total number of items?". It's generally used when you want to emphasize the final count.

What are some alternatives to "total number"?

Alternatives include "aggregate quantity", "overall count", or "entire sum", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "total number of items"?

While "number" implies a count of items, using "total number of items" can enhance clarity, especially when the context might be ambiguous. It reinforces that you're referring to a complete count.

What's the difference between "total number" and "total amount"?

"Total number" refers to a count of discrete items, while "total amount" typically refers to a quantity of something that can be measured continuously, such as money or volume. For example, you'd say "total number of cars" but "total amount of water".