a whole enterprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole enterprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an entire business or organization, often emphasizing its completeness or scope. Example: "The new strategy will transform a whole enterprise, improving efficiency and profitability across all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But what does it mean, in practice, to run a whole enterprise this way?

Harvard Business Review

Strikingly, it was almost never used in speeches there the way that Steve Young used it on Monday night: to capture what happens when a whole enterprise, include executives and employees, both the stars and unknown ones, are committed to a job that they think is worth doing, and, as he said, grow and live and breathe and experience, and build it.

The New Yorker

"Dell's commentary should also indicate that, as a whole, enterprise customers are maintaining initial spending plans for the year while consumer demand remains soft," the firm said.

Forbes

The company has built a whole enterprise around bringing heft to the intangible.

Los Angeles Times

He cited three forms of pollution: In the atmosphere; and in our public debate, "due to spin and lies and calculated misinformation from a whole enterprise of science denial".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But for more than a century the whole enterprise has been driven by fear of failure – a point only exacerbated by the invention of these accursed World Cups.

Independent

But that would be to overlook a certain underlying urgency driving the whole enterprise: a vision of preindustrial integration for an age of anxious fragmentation.

The New York Times - Arts

But one thing few people invested in the glamour and seriousness of big-league television news will say is what a sham the whole enterprise is.

The New York Times

But again, if that mystery turns out to have a disappointing answer, the whole enterprise could be a waste.

The Guardian

The whole enterprise, a k a the draft-pick signing deadline, was about to turn into a pumpkin when Boras struck a deal with the Washington Nationals to sign No. 1 pick Stephen Strasburg for $15.1 million.

The New York Times

Thus a painfully serious topic is given a whimsical spin in order to make a painfully serious point: Foer's whole enterprise in a nutshell.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a whole enterprise" when you want to emphasize the totality and scope of a business or undertaking. This phrase is effective in highlighting the interconnectedness of various parts within the organization.

Common error

While "a whole enterprise" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "company" or "project" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole enterprise" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement within a sentence. It describes the entirety of a business or undertaking, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whole enterprise" is a noun phrase that effectively describes the comprehensive nature of a business or undertaking. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily news, academia and business. While not overly formal, it is best used in professional or analytical writing rather than casual conversation. Alternatives such as "an entire undertaking" or "a complete operation" can provide similar meaning. When using "a whole enterprise", ensure it accurately reflects the scope and interconnectedness of the subject you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entire undertaking

Replaces "enterprise" with "undertaking" focusing on the project or task aspect.

a complete operation

Substitutes "enterprise" with "operation", highlighting the functional aspect of the endeavor.

a full-fledged business

Emphasizes the fully developed and operational nature of the business.

a comprehensive scheme

Highlights the planned and structured nature of the enterprise as a scheme.

an all-encompassing endeavor

Replaces "whole" with "all-encompassing" and "enterprise" with "endeavor", stressing comprehensiveness.

a total system

Focuses on the interconnected and systemic nature of the enterprise.

an integrated project

Highlights the unified and coordinated aspects of the enterprise as a project.

a unified organization

Stresses the cohesive and structured nature of the enterprise as an organization.

a holistic approach

Emphasizes the comprehensive and interconnected nature of the approach to the enterprise.

a broad initiative

Highlights the expansive and proactive nature of the enterprise as an initiative.

FAQs

How can I use "a whole enterprise" in a sentence?

You can use "a whole enterprise" to describe the entirety of a business or project, for example: "The new software aims to streamline operations across "a whole enterprise"."

What are some alternatives to "a whole enterprise"?

Alternatives include "an entire undertaking", "a complete operation", or "a full-fledged business", depending on the specific context.

Is "a whole enterprise" formal or informal?

"A whole enterprise" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for business or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms may be more appropriate.

What does "a whole enterprise" exactly mean?

The phrase refers to all aspects of a business, organization, or project, emphasizing its complete and interconnected nature. It suggests a comprehensive scope and unified operation.