Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Chan-Seung Lee]

[lotus]

Hi Chan-Seung Lee,

Quote:
Is that the sum total of what you've done in the last two years?

Here "the sum total" probably means "the sum of all the things you've done." It could also mean money.

If you had used "total sum", it most likely would have been talking about money.


--lotus

[KazAV]

"The sum total" is one of those common misconceptions in the English language. When you say this, you are basically repeating yourself for the "sum" means the same as the "total". Therefore, it is necessary to say only "sum" or "total". Used here though, it is more emphatic. In other words, "Is that ALL you have done in the last two years?", used in a quite sarcastic manner.