to be whole

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be whole" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to being complete or to being in a state of mental or physical health. For example, "I want to feel whole again after the trauma I've been through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

As soon as there were separate populations of human beings, there were bound to be whole separate languages.

The New York Times - Science

Human beings need to work in order to be whole.

The New York Times

We're supposed to be whole.

The New Yorker

She's going to be whole.

The Guardian - Opinion

Self-invention doesn't have to be whole hog.

The New York Times

The show just needed to be whole lot louder.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I went from being the walking wounded to being whole again".

The Guardian - Film

The offensive line may also be close to being whole again, too.

The New York Times

Good snacks to eat are whole nuts, cheese and whole grain crackers, fruits and vegetables.

WikiHow

Specify window to capture (default is whole screen).

Stanford University

That's supposed to be the whole point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be whole" to describe a state of completeness, integrity, or wellness, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Ensure the context clearly indicates which aspect you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "to be whole" solely in a physical context when you intend to convey emotional or psychological well-being. Be specific with your language to avoid ambiguity; consider alternatives like "to be healed" or "to be complete" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be whole" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement to a verb or adjective. It describes a desired state of completeness or well-being, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples where individuals seek "to be whole" after trauma or loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be whole" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes a state of completeness, integrity, or wellness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests it is frequently employed across various contexts, including news, media, and personal narratives. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and select the most appropriate alternative if greater precision is needed. When aiming for an ideal expression of healing or recovery, "to be whole" is an apt and resonant choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be complete

Focuses on the state of having all necessary parts or elements, emphasizing completeness over healing or restoration.

to be intact

Highlights the condition of being undamaged or unimpaired, suggesting physical or emotional soundness.

to be healed

Specifically refers to recovery from injury or illness, emphasizing restoration of health.

to be healthy

Emphasizes a state of good physical or mental well-being.

to be sound

Implies stability and robustness, whether physical or mental.

to be restored

Focuses on returning something to its former condition, implying a previous state of damage or loss.

to be well

A general term for being in good health or a positive state.

to be integrated

Emphasizes the unification of different parts into a functioning whole, often used in psychological contexts.

to be unified

Similar to integrated, but focuses more on the act of bringing together disparate elements.

to be unbroken

Stresses the absence of damage or fragmentation, suggesting resilience and continuity.

FAQs

How can I use "to be whole" in a sentence?

You can use "to be whole" to describe a state of completeness or wellness. For example, "Therapy helped her "to be whole" again after the trauma".

What is a good alternative to "to be whole"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to be complete", "to be healed", or "to be intact".

Which is correct, "to be whole" or "to become whole"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "To be whole" describes a current state, while "to become whole" describes a process of achieving that state.

What does it mean to want "to be whole"?

Wanting "to be whole" typically implies a desire for completeness, wellness, or integrity, often after experiencing some form of damage or loss. It suggests a yearning for a state of restored well-being.