whole thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"whole thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a entirety of something, especially if it has been previously discussed. For example, "I don't think I understand the whole thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Read the whole thing).

The New York Times

The whole thing jumps.

The New York Times - Arts

The whole thing".

The New York Times

That's my whole thing".

The New York Times

Like one whole thing.

The New Yorker

Whole thing very elusive.

The New Yorker

It's this whole thing".

The New York Times - Food

He loved the whole thing.

The New Yorker

I reconstructed the whole thing.

The New Yorker

I like the whole thing.

The New York Times - Sports

The whole thing was discombobulating.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whole thing" when you want to refer to all aspects of something that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. It's suitable for a wide range of communication, from informal conversations to more formal writing.

Common error

While "whole thing" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "entirety", "matter", or "situation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whole thing" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or subject complement. It refers to the entirety of something previously mentioned or understood in context, offering a concise way to encapsulate a complete situation or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whole thing" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the entirety of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it's frequently found in news and media, with less common usage in strictly academic or scientific contexts. When writing, consider the context and audience; in highly formal situations, more precise synonyms might be preferable. However, for general communication, "whole thing" provides a concise and effective way to reference a complete situation or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the entirety of it

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the completeness of the subject.

entire matter

Replaces "thing" with "matter", suggesting a more formal or serious context.

complete situation

Emphasizes the context or circumstances surrounding the issue.

full story

Highlights the narrative or account of events.

the big picture

Focuses on the overall perspective or understanding.

the full extent

Refers to the complete measure, degree, or scope of something.

the complete package

Implies that something includes all necessary components.

the sum total

Highlights the collective amount or effect of everything involved.

the aggregate

Focuses on the combined total or mass of all components.

the whole enchilada

An informal and colloquial alternative with a similar meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "whole thing" to refer to the entirety of something previously mentioned. For instance, "I don't understand the "whole thing"." or "The "whole thing" was a mess."

What are some alternatives to saying "whole thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "entire matter", "complete situation", or "full story" instead of "whole thing".

Is it ever incorrect to use "whole thing"?

While generally acceptable, "whole thing" might be too informal for highly academic or professional contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise and formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "whole thing" and "the entirety of it"?

"Whole thing" is more colloquial and commonly used, while "the entirety of it" is more formal and emphasizes completeness. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.