on the whole

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the whole" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "in general" or "all in all". For example, "On the whole, the project was a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the whole, no.

The Economist

Tamely, on the whole.

The New York Times - Arts

On the whole.

Independent

On the whole, not inspiring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm torn on the whole situation".

The New York Times

That proved successful, on the whole.

The Economist

I decided, on the whole, perhaps not.

Independent

It had been on the whole time.

The New York Times

But on the whole, life is simpler.

The New York Times

"Keep it on the whole time.

The New Yorker

Danes on the whole enjoy excellent health.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the whole" to introduce a summary or overall assessment after presenting specific details. It helps to provide a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "on the whole" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "in general" or "overall" to maintain reader engagement.

How to use

Learn how to use "on the whole" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the whole" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to express an overall assessment or general perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a comprehensive view, considering various aspects before making a judgement. It introduces a summary statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the whole" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express an overall assessment or general conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic writing. While alternatives like "in general" or "overall" exist, "on the whole" implies a more comprehensive consideration of different factors. It's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure it introduces a balanced perspective, enhancing clarity and providing a well-rounded judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all things considered

Emphasizes a comprehensive evaluation taking everything into account.

by and large

Indicates a general statement that is mostly true but may have exceptions.

in general

Offers a broad perspective without focusing on specific details.

generally speaking

Highlights that the statement is a generalization and may not apply in every case.

for the most part

Suggests that the statement is true for the majority of cases.

overall

Provides a summary judgment based on the entire situation.

in the main

Indicates the primary or most significant aspect of a situation.

taking everything into account

Highlights that the speaker has considered all aspects before making a judgement.

when all is said and done

Suggests a final evaluation after a period of deliberation or activity.

considering everything

Indicates that a conclusion has been reached after weighing all factors.

FAQs

How can I use "on the whole" in a sentence?

You can use "on the whole" to introduce a general statement or summary after considering various aspects of a situation. For example, "On the whole, the project was successful despite some minor setbacks."

What are some alternatives to "on the whole"?

Some alternatives to "on the whole" include "in general", "by and large", and "overall". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "on the whole" formal or informal?

"On the whole" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "taking everything into account".

What is the difference between "on the whole" and "in general"?

While both phrases express a general statement, "on the whole" often implies a more comprehensive consideration of different factors, whereas "in general" is a broader generalization.