this whole time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this whole time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time extending up to the present moment. For example: "I never knew that my neighbor had been living in my house this whole time!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Has cereal been soup THIS WHOLE TIME?

Vice

Had Liza been talking this whole time?

The New Yorker

He never doubted himself this whole time.

The New York Times - Sports

This whole time you had me think I was broken.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You've all been laughing at me this whole time.

The Guardian - Sport

I've kept it with me this whole time".

The New Yorker

They have been so supportive this whole time.

The Guardian - Sport

"This whole time I didn't realize what addiction was.

The Guardian

"Meanwhile I'm receiving calls this whole time," Simeone said.

The Washington Post

Perhaps he had been fine this whole time.

The New Yorker

We could have been eating this whole time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this whole time", ensure the context clearly establishes the starting point of the time period you are referring to. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this whole time" when the timeframe you're referring to isn't distinctly separate from another similar period. Ensure the duration is clearly defined to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this whole time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples confirm its role in specifying when something has occurred continuously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this whole time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it serves to emphasize the duration of an action or state, often expressing surprise or realization. Its usage is common across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. Remember to ensure the timeframe is clear when using "this whole time" to avoid ambiguity and to maximize its impact. Using alternative phrasing such as "all along" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the entire time

A slightly shorter, more direct alternative.

throughout this period

Emphasizes the continuous nature of an action or state during the specified time.

during this entire duration

Highlights the full extent of the period in question.

for the duration

Suggests that something has persisted from the beginning to the end of a specific period.

during all this while

A more emphatic and slightly archaic way of saying "this whole time".

for this entire time frame

More formal and precise, suitable for technical or official contexts.

through the entirety of this period

Focuses on the completeness of the time span.

all along

Implies a constant state or action that occurred without interruption.

during the whole course of this

Highlights the progression and passage of time.

over the course of this time

Similar to the previous one, stressing the process and unfolding of events.

FAQs

How can I use "this whole time" in a sentence?

You can use "this whole time" to indicate that something has been happening or someone has been in a certain state throughout a specific period up until the present moment. For example, "I didn't know you were planning a surprise party for me "all this time"".

What are some alternatives to saying "this whole time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "all along", "throughout this period", or "during this entire duration", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "this whole time"?

While grammatically correct, using "this whole time" can be confusing if the timeframe isn't clearly defined. Ensure the context makes the duration unambiguous.

What's the difference between "this whole time" and "the entire time"?

"This whole time" typically implies a sense of surprise or realization about something that has been ongoing. "The entire time" is more neutral and simply denotes the complete duration of an event or period. For example, "I was nervous "the entire time"" versus "You knew about it "this whole time"?"