total population

USAGE SUMMARY

'total population' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the total number of people living in a certain area or city. For example, "The total population of New York City is 8.6 million."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The total population was 1766.

Harvard University

Its total population today is 1,386.

The Economist

The total population stands at 672,228.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Its total population is bigger than Russia's).

The New York Times

Society: -What is the total population of Libya?

The New York Times

In 1997, conservationists estimated a total population of 567 vaquitas.

The Guardian

What is the total population of each country?

The New York Times

That lifted the total population to 4.2 million.

The New York Times

The total population of the disputed islands is 17,000.

The New York Times

Per-capita G.D.P. is simply G.D.P. divided by total population.

The New York Times

That brought Long Island's total population to 2,807,500.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting "total population", always specify the geographic area or group to which it refers for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "total population" when you actually mean the sample size in a study. "Total population" refers to the entire group you are interested in, not just the subset you are studying.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total population" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the entire number of individuals residing in a specified area or belonging to a particular group. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it serves this function effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total population" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that refers to the entire count of individuals within a defined group or area. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently encountered in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific research and encyclopedic entries. Its primary function is to provide a clear quantitative measure for demographic and statistical purposes. When using the phrase, clarity and context are paramount; specifying the group or area being referenced ensures accurate communication. While alternatives like "entire population" or "aggregate population" exist, "total population" remains a direct and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entire population

Emphasizes completeness and inclusivity when referring to the population.

aggregate population

Focuses on the combined or summed nature of the population count.

whole population

Similar to "entire population", highlighting the complete group.

overall population

Indicates the population considered as a single unit or entity.

resident population

Specifically refers to the people who reside in a particular area.

inhabitant count

Highlights the number of inhabitants within a region.

population size

Emphasizes the magnitude or extent of the population.

demographic total

Connects the total to a specific demographic characteristic.

community size

Focuses on the number of individuals within a community.

headcount

Informal term for the total number of individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "total population" to refer to the entire number of people living in a specific area. For example, "The "total population" of California is approximately 40 million."

What's the difference between "total population" and "population density"?

"Total population" refers to the entire number of people in a given area, while "population density" refers to the number of people per unit area (e.g., people per square mile). They provide different kinds of information about a region's demographics.

What is another way to say "total population"?

Alternatives to "total population" include "entire population", "aggregate population", or "whole population", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to know the "total population" of an area?

Knowing the "total population" is crucial for various purposes, including resource allocation, urban planning, policy making, and understanding demographic trends. It provides a baseline for many statistical analyses and informs decisions across numerous sectors.