total of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the sum or aggregate amount of something. Example: "The total of the expenses for the month came to $1,500."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A total of £120.

The Guardian - Opinion

Final total of 17.

The Guardian

A total of 13 candidates are running.

The New York Times

Each served a total of 18 months.

The New York Times

Share a total of five items.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Total of 16 horses for $1,458.

The New York Times

A total of 550 units are planned.

The New York Times

A total of fourteen people were wounded.

Independent

It is a total of 15.5m people.

Independent

There have been a total of 23.

The New York Times - Arts

A total of ?

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "total of", ensure the context clearly defines what is being totaled. For example, "The total of all donations exceeded expectations" is more specific than "The total was high".

Common error

Avoid using "total of" without specifying what is being totaled. For instance, instead of saying "The total of the project was significant", clarify it as "The total of the project's expenses was significant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating the sum, aggregate, or overall amount of something. It is commonly used to provide a numerical summary, as evidenced by Ludwig examples, such as "A total of 120" or "Share a total of five items".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "total of" is a versatile and very common quantifier used to indicate the sum or aggregate amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "sum total" or "aggregate amount" exist, "total of" remains a straightforward and clear choice. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: always specify what is being totaled to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sum total

Replaces "total of" with a phrase emphasizing the entirety of the sum.

aggregate amount

Substitutes "total of" with a more formal term indicating the combined amount.

combined sum

Similar to "sum total" but uses "combined" instead of "sum".

overall quantity

Replaces "total" with "overall" and "of" with "quantity", focusing on the amount.

grand total

Implies a final and significant sum.

total sum

Emphasizes the final amount achieved.

entire amount

Focuses on the completeness of the amount.

cumulative amount

Highlights the progressive addition to reach the final amount.

combined value

Uses "value" instead of "amount", implying a monetary or assessed worth.

net amount

Indicates the final amount after deductions or additions.

FAQs

How can I use "total of" in a sentence?

The phrase "total of" is used to indicate the sum or aggregate amount. For example: "The "total of" the expenses came to $500".

What are some alternatives to "total of"?

Some alternatives to "total of" include phrases like "sum total", "aggregate amount", or "combined sum", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "total of" and "sum of"?

While "total of" and "sum of" are often interchangeable, "total of" might be preferred when referring to a final or grand amount, while "sum of" is more general.

Can I use "total of" in formal writing?

Yes, "total of" is suitable for formal writing, but using more precise terms like "aggregate amount" or "cumulative amount" may enhance clarity in certain contexts.