on the whole
The phrase "on the whole" is a common English idiom that is used to convey a general summary or an overall view of a situation. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal business reports. In this article, we will delve into the meaning, usage, and examples of "on the whole". <br/ > <br/ >#### Understanding "On the Whole" <br/ > <br/ >"On the whole" is an idiomatic expression that means considering everything, all things considered, or generally speaking. It is used when you want to give a general opinion or summary after considering all the relevant facts or details. It is a useful phrase for summarizing a complex situation or for providing a balanced view of something that has both positive and negative aspects. <br/ > <br/ >For example, if you were asked about your opinion on a movie, you might say, "On the whole, I enjoyed the movie, although there were a few scenes that I didn't like." In this case, "on the whole" is used to give a general opinion (that you enjoyed the movie) while acknowledging that there were some aspects that you didn't like. <br/ > <br/ >#### Usage of "On the Whole" <br/ > <br/ >"On the whole" can be used in both written and spoken English, and it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence, but it can also be used in the middle or at the end of a sentence. <br/ > <br/ >Here are a few examples of how "on the whole" can be used in sentences: <br/ > <br/ >1. "On the whole, the feedback from the customers was positive, although there were a few complaints." <br/ >2. "The project was challenging, but on the whole, it was a rewarding experience." <br/ >3. "There are a few areas that need improvement, but on the whole, I'm satisfied with your performance." <br/ > <br/ >In each of these examples, "on the whole" is used to provide a general summary or opinion after considering all the relevant details. <br/ > <br/ >#### Variations of "On the Whole" <br/ > <br/ >While "on the whole" is a common phrase, there are several other phrases and idioms in English that have a similar meaning. These include "all things considered", "in general", "overall", and "by and large". These phrases can be used interchangeably with "on the whole" in most contexts. <br/ > <br/ >For example, you could say "All things considered, I think we made the right decision" or "In general, the team performed well" or "Overall, the event was a success" or "By and large, the feedback was positive". Each of these phrases, like "on the whole", provides a general summary or opinion after considering all the relevant facts or details. <br/ > <br/ >In conclusion, "on the whole" is a useful phrase for summarizing a situation or providing a balanced view. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts, and there are several other phrases in English that have a similar meaning. So the next time you want to give a general summary or opinion, consider using "on the whole".