the entire thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the entire thing' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a whole or complete entity, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, you could say, "I know the entire thing now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anyway, that's the entire thing.

The New York Times - Tech

Did you watch the entire thing?

The New York Times

And the entire thing is seasonal too!

The New York Times

It's concrete and mortar, the entire thing".

The New York Times

The entire thing is a mess.

The Washington Post

So the entire thing takes place online?

The Guardian

"The entire thing had me in tears".

The New York Times

The entire thing boils down to cash".

The New York Times - Sports

Highlight of the entire thing (Gangnam aside)?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The entire thing cost around $7,300.

The New York Times - Magazine

"She just turned the entire thing around".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the entire thing" when you want to emphasize the completeness or totality of something, ensuring that no part is excluded.

Common error

Avoid using "the entire thing" when referring to small or insignificant details. It's more appropriate for larger concepts or complete entities. Consider using 'the whole' or 'all of it' for less emphatic situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the entire thing" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object or subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts. In general it indicates the completeness or totality of an item, event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the entire thing" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that signifies the completeness or totality of something. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts, especially in news and media, where it denotes comprehensiveness and finality. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, its neutral register allows for broad applicability, though alternatives may lend a more sophisticated tone to highly formal writing. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with your intention of including all parts of a whole and is not applied to insignificant details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the whole thing

Synonymous replacement with a slightly more informal tone.

the complete thing

Replaces 'entire' with 'complete', emphasizing thoroughness.

the totality of it

More formal and emphasizes the comprehensive nature.

the full extent

Focuses on the scope or degree of something.

the sum total

Highlights the aggregate or cumulative aspect.

the comprehensive aspect

Emphasizes a broad and inclusive perspective.

the integral part

Highlights the necessary and essential element of something.

the package deal

Suggests that all aspects are included as one unit.

the undivided focus

Indicates that a person's attention is fixed exclusively on something.

the sheer volume

Stresses the amount or quantity involved.

FAQs

How can I use "the entire thing" in a sentence?

"The chef prepared "the entire thing" from scratch" showcases a practical example. "She had to redo "the entire thing"".

What are some alternatives to "the entire thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the whole thing", "the complete thing", or "the totality of it".

Is it more appropriate to say "the entire thing" or "the whole thing"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable, with "the entire thing" being slightly more formal and "the whole thing" being more casual.

Can "the entire thing" be used in formal writing?

Yes, while it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, in highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "the totality of it" for a more sophisticated tone.