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"total" vs "in total"

Both 'total' and 'in total' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Total' is used as an adjective to describe the entire amount or number of something, while 'in total' is used as an adverbial phrase to indicate the sum of all the parts or elements.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

total

Correct. 'Total' is used as an adjective to describe the entire amount or number of something.

Use 'total' when you want to describe the complete amount or number of something.

Examples:

  • The total cost of the project is $10,000.
  • The total number of participants was 50.
  • What is the total distance of the race?

Alternatives:

  • overall
  • entire
  • complete
  • aggregate
  • whole

in total

Correct. 'In total' is used as an adverbial phrase to indicate the sum of all the parts or elements.

Use 'in total' when you want to refer to the sum of all the parts or elements of something.

Examples:

  • There were 20 people in total at the party.
  • In total, we spent three hours on the project.
  • The team scored 10 goals in total.

Alternatives:

  • altogether
  • in all
  • all in all
  • in sum
  • in entirety

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