a whole item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is complete or entire, often in contexts involving lists, collections, or inventories. Example: "Please ensure that you include a whole item in your report to provide a complete overview of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This backpack cooler will allow mom to easily carry a whole item of goodies without falling forward for the strain caused by traditional coolers.

HuffPost

In support of this idea, it has been shown that participants eat more of the same food when it is presented amorphously, as numerous small pieces/parts, than as a whole item, and is likely due to difficulty in tracking intake (Chang et al., 2012).

Appetite

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As underlying assumptions were sufficiently met, separate MANOVA analyses were undertaken with the test as a whole, items categorised into dictionary (noun, article, verb and preposition) and more modern grammar categories (technicality, word stacks, passive voice and cohesive devices) entered as the dependent variable and student sample groups as independent factors.

Language Testing in Asia

For Electronics: Take a photo of the whole item THEN take additional side views, as well as the label with the Model & Serial Numbers.

WikiHow

The analyses shown in our Figures  6 and 7 do show that the anchor items which were used were not entirely representative of the items on the paper as a whole, anchor items being easier than non-anchor items overall, with anchor items also being somewhat harder and non-anchor items being somewhat easier for non-UK candidates.

BMC Medical Education

Among the five doctors, one suggested that the term "one week" could be changed from the beginning to the end of the sentences (items 1 3), and another doctor suggested changing the term "in general" for "as a whole" in item one.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

As with the disc as a whole, one item proves more delicious than the last.

The New York Times

Taken as a whole, each item of assessment is reflective of both a supplier and buyer view.

Forbes

In total, 86% of the participants on Scenario 1 and 82% on Scenario 2 reported results in the range considered acceptable ("essential facts" reported correctly with 2 or fewer errors).> In addition to the above analysis of the scenario as a whole, each item was also discretely evaluated to ensure validity for field use (Tables  4 and 5).

Conflict and Health

Mix a dirty thing with a clean one and their "essences" combine to make the whole item taboo.

The New Yorker

If it's a big stain, then you could always bleach the whole item of clothing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a whole item" when you want to emphasize that something is complete and not just a part of something else. For example, when taking inventory, ensure you count "a whole item", not just pieces.

Common error

Avoid using "a whole item" when you mean "as a whole". "A whole item" refers to a single, complete object. "As a whole" refers to considering all aspects or components together, not necessarily a physical object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole item" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifying a complete and undivided object or unit. It is often used to distinguish between complete objects and parts or fragments of those objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to something complete or entire.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

26%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whole item" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the completeness or entirety of an object. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase indicates something complete or entire, often in the context of lists or collections. Although relatively uncommon, its usage spans across various contexts from News & Media to Science, but remember that "a whole item" differs from the expression "as a whole" which is used to describe that you are considering all aspects or components of something. For alternative wordings, consider using "an entire item" or "a complete item" to add variety to your writing. When using the phrase "a whole item", make sure you are referring to a single complete unit, not just a part of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entire item

Replaces "whole" with "entire" emphasizing the completeness without any missing parts.

a complete item

Substitutes "whole" with "complete", focusing on the item having all its necessary components.

a full item

Changes "whole" to "full", suggesting the item is filled or comprehensive.

a total item

Replaces "whole" with "total", highlighting the item as a sum or aggregate.

a single item

Focuses on the item being one, complete unit.

an undivided item

Replaces 'whole' suggesting that the item has not been split or separated.

a cohesive item

Implies the item's parts are well integrated and form a complete unit.

an integral item

Indicates the item is an essential part of a larger set or system.

a unified item

Suggests the item's components are combined into a single entity.

a discrete item

Highlights the item as being separate and distinct from others.

FAQs

How do I use "a whole item" in a sentence?

Use "a whole item" when you want to emphasize that something is complete and not just a part. For example, "The backpack cooler allows mom to easily carry "a whole item" of goodies."

What is a good substitute for the phrase "a whole item"?

Alternatives include "an entire item", "a complete item", or "a full item" depending on the context you intend to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "whole item" without the article "a"?

While grammatically acceptable in some contexts, "a whole item" is generally preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness. Using "whole item" without "a" can sound less formal or slightly awkward in standard English.

What's the difference between "a whole item" and "as a whole"?

"A whole item" refers to one complete object. "As a whole" means considering everything together. For example, "We examined the system "as a whole" to understand its function, not just "a whole item" within it."