a whole system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an entire system in various contexts, such as technology, biology, or organizational structures. Example: "To understand the issue, we need to analyze a whole system rather than just focusing on individual components."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's a whole system," he said.

The New York Times

A whole system is coded within me.

The New York Times - Style

But we've built a whole system on unrealistic expectations.

The New Yorker

"This is one piece of a whole system of measuring".

The New York Times

Then you have to have a whole system for promotion.

The New York Times - Arts

He had cemented a whole system of power into place.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This shift of focus requires a whole-system approach.

The Guardian

Interestingly the review threatens a "whole-system, geographically-based intervention regime" for laggards.

The Guardian

A whole-system approach to supporting farmers and food producers is required the Labour MSP insists.

BBC

A whole-system approach.

British Journal of Cancer

This has been described as follows: A whole-system approach.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a whole system", ensure you're referring to all components and their interactions, not just a single part. This clarifies the scope and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a whole system" when you're only addressing a subset of the components. Be specific about which parts of the system are under consideration to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole system" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a complete and integrated entity, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples. Its grammatical role is to denote a comprehensive and interconnected set of elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whole system" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a complete and interconnected entity. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it functions grammatically as a subject, object, or complement, and it is appropriate for use in various contexts from news and media to academic writing. It is most effective when emphasizing the inclusion of all components and their interactions. While alternatives like "an entire framework" or "a comprehensive approach" exist, "a whole system" offers a broad and versatile way to describe interconnectedness and completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entire framework

Replaces "system" with "framework", emphasizing the structural aspect.

a complete setup

Substitutes "system" with "setup", highlighting the arrangement and configuration.

a comprehensive approach

Focuses on the thorough and inclusive nature of the system.

an integrated structure

Highlights the interconnectedness and organization within the system.

a holistic model

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of the system's parts.

a global scheme

Replaces system with scheme, implying a carefully arranged plan.

an all-inclusive arrangement

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the system.

a unified mechanism

Focuses on the coordinated and synchronized nature of the system's operation.

an overall design

Emphasizes the planned and intentional nature of the system.

a synergistic network

Highlights the collaborative and mutually beneficial interactions within the system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a whole system" to describe an interconnected set of components working together. For example, "To improve efficiency, we need to redesign "the whole system", not just individual parts".

What are some alternatives to "a whole system"?

You can use alternatives like "an entire framework", "a complete setup", or "a comprehensive approach" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a whole system"?

Use "a whole system" when referring to all interacting parts of an entity, process, or organization. It is appropriate when emphasizing the interconnectedness and completeness of the subject.

What's the difference between "a whole system" and "a complex system"?

"A whole system" emphasizes completeness and integration, while "a complex system" highlights the intricate relationships and numerous components within the system. While often overlapping, "a whole system" focuses on scope and inclusion, whereas "a complex system" focuses on the nature of the relationships.