make whole

USAGE SUMMARY

"make whole" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to something that is being made complete or restored to its original state. For example, "The goal of the project is to make whole the damaged ecosystem in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

To heal is to make whole, and wholeness can belong as much to the infirm as to the healthy.

The New Yorker

When the letters are memory we make whole words.

The New York Times - Books

One cannot make whole poems out of it.

The Guardian - Books

Over the last several years, there has been substantial litigation regarding "make whole" premiums in bankruptcy.

Columbia University

"You can never make whole anyone who is raped by another individual," Rieders said.

The New York Times - Sports

Although you are still encouraged to make whole worlds, consisting of groups of four levels.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

We sometimes make whole-wheat pancakes.

The New York Times

Yes, you can find or make whole-grain pancake mix.

Harvard University

We outline two technical contributions which make whole-basin non-stationary analysis feasible.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

But on the weekends, we work together to make whole-wheat banana-walnut pancakes, buttermilk waffles or scrambled egg sandwiches.

The New York Times

Difficulties with distance-independent and other distribution-based models (Section 'Distributions') make whole-stand modelling approaches attractive.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make whole" in legal or financial contexts, ensure you clearly define what constitutes being "whole". For example, specify which losses are covered and how compensation will be calculated.

Common error

Avoid using "make whole" without clearly defining what it means in the specific context. This can lead to disputes about what constitutes complete restoration or compensation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make whole" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively to indicate the action of restoring something to a complete or sound state. Ludwig examples show its application in contexts ranging from physical restoration to financial compensation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make whole" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies restoring something to a complete or sound state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including legal, financial, and general situations. While it is generally neutral in register, its formality can increase depending on the context. To avoid ambiguity, clearly define what constitutes being "whole" in specific contexts. Alternative phrases include "restore to wholeness", "render complete", and "provide compensation". The best practice is to ensure clarity in its usage, particularly in legal or financial settings, to prevent disputes. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the effective use of "make whole" in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restore to wholeness

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back to a complete and undamaged state.

render complete

Focuses on the action of making something entirely finished or whole.

provide compensation

Specifically addresses the financial aspect of making someone whole after a loss.

make good

Suggests rectifying a situation or fulfilling an obligation.

set right

Implies correcting a wrong or imbalance to achieve wholeness or fairness.

bring to completion

Highlights the process of finishing something, making it whole in the sense of being complete.

heal and restore

Combines the idea of physical or emotional healing with the act of restoration.

indemnify

A formal term for protecting someone against financial loss or damage, making them whole financially.

restitute

To give back or restore something that has been taken or lost.

reimburse fully

Focuses on the complete repayment of expenses or losses to make someone financially whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "make whole" to describe restoring something to its original condition, compensating for a loss, or completing something. For example, "The insurance company will "provide compensation" to "make whole" the victim of the accident".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "make whole"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "restore to wholeness", "render complete", or "provide compensation".

In a legal context, what does it mean to "make whole" a party?

In a legal context, to "make whole" generally means to restore a party to the position they would have been in had the harm or breach not occurred. This often involves financial compensation or other remedies designed to "set right" the situation.

What is the difference between "make whole" and "compensate"?

"Compensate" generally refers to providing payment or something else of value to offset a loss or damage. "Make whole" is a broader term that implies restoring someone or something to its original, complete state, which may or may not involve only financial compensation. In many cases, "providing compensation" can "make good" but is just one part of what it means to "make whole".