whole idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whole idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the complete concept or notion being discussed. Example: "The whole idea behind this project is to improve community engagement and participation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"History's the whole idea.

The New York Times

That's the whole idea.

The New York Times - Sports

"The whole idea inspired him.

The New York Times

The whole idea of Pres.

The New Yorker

I hated the whole idea.

The New Yorker

"That was the whole idea".

The New York Times

I loved the whole idea of it.

The New Yorker

The whole idea is to honor family.

The New York Times

Anyone morally opposed to the whole idea?

The Economist

Mr Putin pooh-poohs the whole idea.

The Economist

The whole idea was flawed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whole idea" to clearly communicate that you are referring to the entirety of a concept, ensuring your audience understands all facets and implications.

Common error

Avoid using "whole idea" when you need to delve into specific nuances or intricate details. This phrase is best suited for general overviews, not in-depth analyses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whole idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it represents a comprehensive concept or notion that encompasses all its constituent parts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "whole idea" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that denotes a complete concept or notion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be suitable for specific situations. For clarity, it’s best to use "whole idea" when you want to reference the entirety of a concept, but be mindful not to oversimplify intricate details. Related phrases such as "central concept" or "overarching theme" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete picture

Emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of all aspects, rather than the initial idea or concept.

central concept

Focuses on the core, fundamental notion, shifting from the entirety of an idea to its essential component.

basic premise

Stresses the foundational assumption or proposition, differing from the entire concept.

main principle

Highlights the guiding rule or belief, rather than the comprehensive plan or thought.

key element

Points out a crucial aspect or component, rather than the complete thought or intention.

underlying rationale

Focuses on the reasons or justification beneath something, shifting from the general concept.

overarching theme

Emphasizes the dominant motif or subject that runs through something, instead of a general notion.

core philosophy

Highlights the fundamental beliefs or values, instead of the comprehensive idea.

master plan

Emphasizes a comprehensive strategy or design, rather than a simple idea or notion.

grand scheme

Implies a large-scale, ambitious project or arrangement, as opposed to a basic idea.

FAQs

How can I use "whole idea" in a sentence?

You can use "whole idea" to refer to the entirety of a concept, like in "The "whole idea" behind the project is to improve community engagement".

What's a good alternative to "whole idea"?

Alternatives include "central concept", "main principle", or "overarching theme", depending on the specific context.

Is "whole idea" formal or informal?

"Whole idea" is generally considered neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, a more precise term like "underlying rationale" might be preferred.

What does "whole idea" exactly mean?

"Whole idea" refers to the complete concept or notion encompassing all aspects, implications, and details of a particular subject or plan.