On the Whole vs. As a Whole – Which is Correct?
On the whole and as a whole are both correct, but they are not always interchangeable. On the whole means generally or overall, expressing a judgment about results. As a whole refers to something considered collectively rather than in parts. Choose based on whether you mean overall assessment or unity.
On the Whole or As a Whole – Which is Correct?
On the whole and as a whole are both standard English phrases. The main difference is emphasis. On the whole usually introduces a general opinion, conclusion, or assessment. As a whole treats a person, group, system, object, or subject as one complete unit instead of examining its individual parts.
For example, “The conference was successful on the whole” means that the overall experience was positive, although it may have had some problems. “The committee as a whole supported the proposal” means that the committee was considered collectively, rather than member by member.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use this simple mental test: if you could replace the phrase with generally or overall, choose on the whole. If you could replace it with collectively, in its entirety, or as one unit, choose as a whole.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the whole | Adverbial phrase | Generally; overall; considering the main results | On the whole, the revised policy has been effective. |
| As a whole | Adverbial phrase | Collectively; considered as one complete unit | The department as a whole approved the plan. |
How to Use On the Whole
On the whole is an adverbial phrase used to give a broad evaluation. It often appears when the speaker or writer acknowledges that individual exceptions exist but believes the general result is clear. The phrase is common in formal, academic, professional, and everyday writing.
It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. At the beginning, it often sets up an overall conclusion. In the middle or at the end, it modifies the evaluation more directly.
Example 1: On the whole, the students performed well on the examination.
Example 2: The proposal is, on the whole, practical and affordable.
Example 3: The journey was enjoyable on the whole, despite the delays.
Etymology of the phrase On the Whole
The phrase on the whole developed from the noun whole, meaning something complete or undivided. The preposition on came to express a general basis or point of view. Over time, the phrase acquired its modern meaning of “in general” or “overall.”
Because whole can be confused with hole, reviewing Hole vs. Whole helps reinforce the spelling distinction.
How to Use As a Whole
As a whole is an adverbial phrase that emphasizes collective consideration. It is appropriate when the subject contains multiple parts, members, stages, or elements but is being discussed as one complete entity. It commonly follows a noun phrase such as the team, the organization, the book, or society.
The phrase can also appear before a subject for emphasis, as in “As a whole, the report is persuasive.” In this use, it means that the complete report is being evaluated rather than only its individual sections.
Example 1: The research team as a whole agreed with the study’s conclusions.
Example 2: As a whole, the novel presents a compelling portrait of family life.
Example 3: The community as a whole benefited from the new public library.
Etymology of the phrase As a Whole
As a whole combines as, meaning “in the role or condition of,” with a whole, meaning something complete and undivided. The phrase gradually became a standard way to indicate that something is being viewed collectively or in its entirety.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between general evaluation and collective reference makes it easier to choose between these two phrases.
- Adverbial phrases: Both on the whole and as a whole function as adverbial phrases. They modify a verb, adjective, or entire clause by explaining how the subject or action should be understood.
- Generalization: On the whole often introduces a generalization. It allows a writer to describe the dominant pattern without claiming that every individual detail is identical.
- Collective reference: As a whole emphasizes a group or object viewed as one unit, rather than its members or components separately.
- Qualifying statements: Both phrases can make a statement more precise by showing whether the writer is offering an overall judgment or referring to a complete entity.
Examples from Media and Literature
These examples reflect common uses found in book reviews, film criticism, news reporting, and public commentary. They are original examples rather than direct quotations.
- Book review: “On the whole, the memoir is thoughtful, although some chapters feel repetitive.” This evaluates the book generally.
- Film criticism: “The cast as a whole creates a convincing sense of community.” This considers all the performers collectively.
- News reporting: “On the whole, the economic report offered encouraging signs.” This presents an overall interpretation of the data.
- Literary analysis: “The poem as a whole moves from uncertainty toward acceptance.” This discusses the complete structure of the poem.
- Public commentary: “The audience as a whole responded positively to the announcement.” This refers to the audience collectively.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase, on the whole or as a whole, to complete each sentence.
- __________, the training program has improved employee performance.
- The board __________ voted to adopt the new guidelines.
- The restaurant was expensive but enjoyable __________.
- When viewed __________, the sculpture creates a balanced impression.
- __________, the candidates offered practical solutions to the problem.
Answer Key
- On the whole — This sentence gives an overall assessment.
- As a whole — The board is being treated as one collective body.
- On the whole — The phrase means generally or overall.
- As a whole — The complete sculpture is being considered rather than its individual parts.
- On the whole — This is a general evaluation of the candidates’ proposals.
On the Whole Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Overall | Considering the general result or main impression |
| Generally | In most cases or as a broad statement |
| By and large | Generally, with minor exceptions |
| For the most part | Mainly or in the majority of cases |
As a Whole Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Collectively | As a group or combined unit |
| In its entirety | With every part included |
| As one unit | Considered as a single complete entity |
| Taken together | Considered in combination rather than separately |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “on the whole” correct?
Yes. On the whole is a standard phrase meaning generally, overall, or for the most part.
Question 2: Is “as a whole” correct?
Yes. As a whole is also correct and means collectively, in its entirety, or considered as one complete unit.
Question 3: Can “on the whole” and “as a whole” be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, but not always. They may overlap when making a broad evaluation, but on the whole focuses on an overall judgment, while as a whole focuses on a complete entity or group.
Conclusion
On the whole and as a whole are both correct expressions. Use on the whole when you mean “generally” or “overall,” and use as a whole when you mean “collectively” or “in its entirety.” Pro Tip: Choosing the more precise phrase strengthens your writing and helps maintain a polished professional reputation.
