system as a whole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'system as a whole' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the collective parts of a given system when discussing it or its effects in a broader context. For example, "The effect of changing population density on the economy can be evaluated using data from the system as a whole."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did the system as a whole work?

The New York Times

"Maybe we need a better system as a whole.

Princeton University

And as for the system as a whole?

The Guardian

We must look at the system as a whole".

The Guardian

Managing the system as a whole starts here.

The Guardian - Business

"The system as a whole is being stressed," he said.

The Washington Post

The financial system as a whole is getting more complex.

MIT Technology Review

The system as a whole is manifestly failing the economy.

The Economist

"It's taking a stance against the system as a whole".

The New York Times

Bank failures threaten the economic system as a whole.

Expert Systems with Applications

Additionally, this case may have broader ramifications for the legal system as a whole.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating complex issues, use "system as a whole" to encourage a comprehensive analysis that considers all contributing factors and potential interdependencies. This ensures a more nuanced and accurate understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that understanding individual components is equivalent to understanding the "system as a whole". The emergent properties and interactions within a system often create effects that are not predictable from analyzing its parts in isolation. A holistic analysis is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system as a whole" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject or object in a sentence. It emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of a system rather than focusing on individual components. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "system as a whole" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to advocate for a comprehensive understanding of interconnected elements, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, reflecting its suitability for objective analysis. When employing this phrase, ensure that your analysis genuinely considers all contributing factors to avoid the pitfall of merely summing up individual parts. Alternatives such as "holistic system" or "system in its entirety" may be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system in its entirety

Rephrases to include an explicit reference to completeness.

overall system

Focuses on the system's general state or performance instead of its individual components.

holistic system

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

comprehensive system

Emphasizes the system's thoroughness.

complete system

Emphasizes that all aspects of the system are being considered.

the full system

A simpler way to describe that the system is complete.

entire system

Similar to complete system, but can also mean all of the system

total system

Similar to complete system, but less commonly used.

integrated system

Focuses on the coordination between elements of a system.

macro system

Uses a more technical term to refer to the system viewed from a large-scale perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "system as a whole" to emphasize a comprehensive perspective, such as, "The new policy aims to improve the healthcare "system as a whole" by addressing both preventative care and treatment."

What's an alternative to saying "system as a whole"?

Alternatives include "overall system", "holistic system", or "system in its entirety", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more accurate to analyze the "system as a whole" or focus on individual components?

Analyzing the "system as a whole" provides a broader understanding that accounts for interdependencies, while focusing on individual components offers detailed insights into specific elements. Both approaches are valuable and complement each other.

Why is understanding the "system as a whole" important?

Understanding the "system as a whole" is crucial for identifying emergent properties and unintended consequences that might not be apparent when examining individual parts. This holistic view enables more effective problem-solving and decision-making.