read the whole thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'read the whole thing' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that you should read an entire article or text. For example, "Make sure you read the whole thing - there are some important details at the end!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Read the whole thing).

The New York Times

Go read the whole thing.

The New York Times

Read the whole thing here.

The New York Times

Do read the whole thing.

The New York Times

Had he read the whole thing?

The New Yorker

Click here to read the whole thing.

The Economist

You should read the whole thing.

The New Yorker

I read the whole thing myself".

The New York Times

You can read the whole thing here.

The New York Times

Just read the whole thing — it's short.

The New York Times

Read the whole thing for yourself here.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "read the whole thing" when you want to encourage someone to not skip any parts of a text for full comprehension.

Common error

Don't use "read the whole thing" when a summary or key excerpts would suffice. Ensure the reader's time is valued by indicating if a complete reading is truly necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "read the whole thing" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to engage with a complete text. As shown in Ludwig, examples from various contexts suggest that it often accompanies a recommendation or is used to emphasize the importance of understanding the entire content.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "read the whole thing" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage a thorough reading of a text. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase functions as an imperative, primarily intended to ensure complete comprehension and prevent misunderstanding. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. Remember to use this phrase when thoroughness is key and skimming is not advisable. Consider alternatives such as "read it in its entirety" or "go through the complete text" for variety. Ensure that a complete reading is truly necessary before recommending it, valuing the reader's time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

read it in its entirety

This alternative emphasizes the completeness of the reading experience, suggesting nothing is skipped.

read it from cover to cover

This phrase indicates a thorough reading, often implying a physical book or document.

peruse the entire document

"Peruse" suggests a careful and detailed reading, slightly more formal than "read".

go through the complete text

This option highlights the action of progressing through the entire text.

examine the full version

"Examine" suggests a closer, more analytical reading of the complete material.

study the complete document

Suggests a more in-depth and focused reading for learning or analysis.

read every word

Emphasizes the detailed attention given to each word in the text.

absorb the full content

This implies not just reading, but also understanding and internalizing the material.

review the complete article

"Review" often implies a second reading or a reading for a specific purpose.

scan the entire piece

"Scan" suggests a quick reading to get the general idea of the whole text.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "read the whole thing" without sounding demanding?

You can soften the instruction by adding a reason, such as "read the whole thing to fully understand the context" or "read the whole thing, it's worth it for the ending".

Is it always necessary to "read the whole thing", or are there times when skimming is acceptable?

Skimming can be appropriate for quickly grasping the main idea, but "reading the whole thing" is essential when details, nuances, and thorough understanding are crucial.

What are some alternatives to saying "read the whole thing" that sound less repetitive?

Try phrases like "read it in its entirety", "go through the complete text", or "read it from cover to cover", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

When is it most important to emphasize that someone should "read the whole thing"?

Emphasize "read the whole thing" when the content is complex, the argument builds gradually, or missing any part could lead to misunderstanding. Examples includes legal documents or detailed instructions.