we have a total of

USAGE SUMMARY

'we have a total of' is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a total amount, such as in this example: "We have a total of 25 students in our class this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have a total of 81 trademark vendors licensed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We have a total of about 300 years of experience here," Mr. Bosman said.

The New York Times - Tech

According to Mr. Bosman, "We have a total of about 300 years of experience here.

The New York Times

What is there to do in Golden Beach? A. We have a total of nine parks.

The New York Times

So, this means we have a total of six electrons that we need to put into molecular orbitals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We want more than five representatives for the next World Cups because we have a total of 52 associations.

The New York Times - Sports

We have a total of 40 seats available on a first come, first served basis, so please reserve your spot soon.

Harvard University

We have 66 governments that have climate legislation, we have a total of 500 laws around the world on climate, whereas before Copenhagen we only had 47".

The Guardian

So we have a total of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 valence electrons, so I'll make sure I count to 10 as we fill up our molecular orbitals here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We have p h 3. We told you that phosphorous has 5 valence electrons plus 3 from each of the hydrogens, so we have a total of 8 valence electrons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'm at Sundance [the film festival in Utah] now and we have a total of 90 photographers, editors and technicians here, so it's our main focus at the moment".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have a total of" to clearly state the cumulative amount when presenting data, inventory, or survey results. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the scope of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we have a total of" when simply emphasizing a large quantity without a precise count. For example, instead of "we have a total of many options", say "we have many options" or "we have a plethora of options". The phrase is best reserved for when you are giving a specific sum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have a total of" functions as a quantifier or determiner phrase, introducing a specific numerical value. Ludwig indicates this phrase is used to specify an exact number resulting from a count or calculation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have a total of" is a versatile and common phrase used to introduce a specific numerical value or sum. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including scientific reports, news articles, and academic papers, but is most prevalent in Science and News & Media. The phrase is best used when presenting precise quantities and should be avoided when simply indicating a large but unspecified amount. Alternative phrases such as "in total we have" or "the grand total for us is" can be used depending on the context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in total we have

Reorders the words while retaining the core meaning of a combined quantity.

the grand total for us is

Uses "grand total" to emphasize the final amount, adding a touch of drama.

altogether we possess

Employs a more formal term ("possess") for "have" and "altogether" for total.

collectively we count

Highlights the action of counting to reach a combined number.

our aggregate is

Uses a noun phrase emphasizing the combined sum, suitable for formal contexts.

taken together we reach

Focuses on the combined action leading to a final quantity.

the sum of our parts is

Expresses the total in terms of its components, implying a calculation.

when added up we find

Emphasizes the process of summation and discovery of the final amount.

the entirety of our holdings includes

Employs formal language and focuses on possessions, applicable in business contexts.

we jointly control

Shifts focus to control or ownership of the total amount or items.

FAQs

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

Use "we have a total of" to introduce a specific quantity or sum. For example, "We have a total of 50 employees in our department" or "We have a total of $10,000 in donations".

Is it grammatically correct to say "we have total of"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "we have a total of". The article "a" is required before "total".

What are some alternatives to "we have a total of" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in total we have", "altogether we possess", or "our aggregate is".

When should I use "we have a total of" versus "we have in total"?

"We have a total of" is used to introduce the quantity directly. "We have in total" places more emphasis on the act of summing or combining. For example, "We have a total of 10 apples" versus "We have 10 apples in total".