Some and sum are two words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings, which makes them homophones. We will examine the definitions of some and sum, where the two words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Some is an unspecified quantity, at least a small amount, part of but not the whole of something. Some is used as a determiner, pronoun and adverb. The word some is derived from the Old English word sum, which was perhaps derived from the Greek word hamōs which means somehow.
A sum may be a total amount derived at by adding two or more numbers, the total amount of something that already exists or a particular amount of money. The plural form is sums. The word sum is derived from the Old French words summe and somme, which mean a collection, all, a total or a conclusion. These in turn were derived from the Latin word summa which means highest rank, the gist of something, an amount of money.
Examples
The Dodgers and Cubs may boast some of the most high-profile fans in Hollywood (with the Yankees and Red Sox mixed in there too). (The Chicago Tribune)
“There are some Republicans, frankly, that should be ashamed of themselves,” Mr. Trump said, adding that most of the senators are “really, really great people” but saying that “you had a few people that really disappointed us.” (The New York Times)
The sum allocated for contract employment is $4 million, which Finance Minister Colm Imbert said, means, “This will employ more people than last year.” (The Trinidad News)
This is a case which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts for sure. (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)