total of all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total of all" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the complete sum or aggregate of multiple items or values. Example: "The total of all expenses for the month was higher than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The total of all N.F.L.-related relief is $21 million.

The New York Times

The total of all items in the auction is $663,000.

The New York Times - Sports

The total of all Gazans killed since Shalit's capture numbers more than two thousand.

The New Yorker

Am I just the sum total of all my tweets and emails, my banking, my online shopping, my technological imprint?

The Guardian - Music

The first-innings effort at Durham has proved to be England's sixth lowest one-day international total of all time.

The Guardian - Sport

The total of all money judgments in the matrimonial action against Dr. Bartha came to more than $4 million.

The New York Times

The sum total of all operations of this sort is the Eurodollar market.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For comparison, the combined total of all European governments' budgets is some €4 trillion a year.

The Economist

New machines can already print a total of all votes cast, but that is simply a reflection of the computerized tally.

The New York Times

Democracy doesn't require that every man be a philosopher; it only requires that the sum total of all opinions be sound.

The New Yorker

About $30 billion in pharmaceuticals were made here in 1997, the most recent census data available, for about a third of the state total of all manufactured goods.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "total of all", ensure that you are referring to a definitive set of items or values that can be accurately summed. Avoid using it with vague or unquantifiable concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "total of all" when referring to uncountable nouns such as 'happiness' or 'effort'. Instead, consider using phrases like 'the extent of' or 'the degree of'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total of all" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying that the noun represents the sum or aggregate of all items or values being considered. Ludwig examples illustrate this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "total of all" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to denote the complete sum or aggregate of a group of items or values. As Ludwig confirms, its versatility allows for use across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While primarily neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure its application is appropriate for quantifiable nouns, avoiding misuse with abstract concepts. Alternatives like "sum total" or "entire amount" can offer subtle variations in emphasis, maintaining clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sum total

Similar, but places 'sum' before 'total' for slightly different emphasis.

combined total

Stresses the act of bringing individual amounts together.

overall sum

Focuses on the final amount after all additions are made.

grand total

Indicates a final and often impressive summation.

total aggregate

Reverses the order of 'aggregate' and 'total'.

aggregate sum

Emphasizes the combination into a single quantity or mass.

entire amount

Focuses on the completeness of the quantity.

complete tally

Highlights the act of counting and reaching a final sum.

full count

Emphasizes the completion of the counting process.

final reckoning

Implies a conclusive calculation or assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "total of all" to refer to the sum of multiple items. For example, "The "total of all expenses" exceeded our budget".

What are some alternatives to "total of all"?

Alternatives include "sum total", "aggregate sum", or "entire amount", depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "total of all"?

In formal contexts, consider using "aggregate of all" or "summation of all" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

When is it inappropriate to use "total of all"?

Avoid using "total of all" when referring to abstract concepts or qualities that cannot be quantified. For example, instead of "the total of all happiness", consider "the degree of happiness".