the whole topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the whole topic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single subject that has been discussed in depth, either in conversation or in writing. For example, "We've discussed the whole topic of climate change in detail, and now we must take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rolls the whole topic (including #g_m_rg_t_) into one neat piece.

The Guardian - Tech

"The whole topic of lifestyle interventions for breast cancer survivors is a very important one.

The Guardian

"I thought the whole topic would be historic by now, but it is an actual topic".

The New York Times - Arts

He is calling for a nationwide "vomitorium" on the whole topic.

The New York Times

This article is massively unresearched, is biased and belittles the whole topic of healthy food.

Harvard University

I was thinking, five years ago if Lew Rudin had died that would have been the whole topic of conversation.

The New York Times

So let's stop treating the whole topic as a political football and start treating its ideas seriously.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people may argue that actually, the lack of taboo on the whole topic in general is good.

The Guardian

"One thing is for sure," Mr. Heitmann said, "the whole topic of consolidation is back on the agenda".

The New York Times

The ethics of this act (the gull was happy, the minnows were not) were too thorny to think about, let alone discuss, so I ignored the whole topic.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is the challenge for a "scientific" approach to consciousness, what makes some cognitive scientists nervous about the whole topic part of Owen Flanagan's "conscious shyness" is the "positivist suspicion" that consciousness cannot be studied scientifically precisely because it is subjective, and private, while science is public and objective.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the whole topic" to signal you are addressing all aspects of a subject, leaving no significant element unexplored.

Common error

While generally acceptable, consider more concise or context-specific alternatives if "the whole topic" feels too broad or vague for your specific audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the whole topic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates the entirety of a particular subject under discussion. Ludwig’s examples show its versatility in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the whole topic" is a commonly used noun phrase to refer to the entirety of a subject matter. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it is a versatile phrase, writers should be mindful of potential wordiness and consider more concise alternatives when appropriate. The phrase serves to denote the complete scope of the discussion, ensuring that all relevant aspects are considered. Ludwig provides many real-world examples that show this phrase in action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the entire subject

Replaces "topic" with "subject", emphasizing the breadth of the area being discussed.

the complete matter

Substitutes "whole topic" with a more formal expression using "matter", suggesting a comprehensive consideration.

the full discussion

Focuses on the act of discussing the topic in its entirety, rather than the topic itself.

the entire issue

Uses "issue" instead of "topic", often implying a problem or matter of concern being addressed comprehensively.

the overall theme

Replaces "topic" with "theme", shifting the focus to the central idea or message.

the broad subject

Emphasizes the wide scope of the subject being considered.

the global theme

Highlights the worldwide or comprehensive nature of the theme.

the comprehensive area

Replaces "topic" with "area", often used in scientific or technical contexts to denote a broad field of study.

the grand scheme

Implies considering the topic within a larger, more encompassing framework.

the sum of it all

Refers to the cumulative understanding or consideration of all aspects of the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "the whole topic" to indicate that you are referring to all aspects of a particular subject. For example, "The whole topic of climate change is complex and requires a multifaceted approach".

What's a more formal alternative to "the whole topic"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the entire subject" or "the complete matter" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Is it okay to use "the whole topic" in academic writing?

Yes, it's acceptable, but ensure clarity and precision. You might also consider alternatives like "the comprehensive analysis" or "the broad scope" for enhanced specificity.

What's the difference between "the whole topic" and "the main topic"?

"The main topic" refers to the primary subject of discussion, while "the whole topic" encompasses all aspects and related elements of that subject, indicating a more comprehensive scope.