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 discussions. This article will delve into the meaning, usage, and examples of the phrase "on the whole".

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Understanding the Phrase "On the Whole"</h2>

"On the whole" is an idiomatic expression that means considering everything, all things considered, or generally. It is used when the speaker wants to give a summary or a general opinion about a situation after considering all the relevant facts or details. It is a way of saying that despite some minor issues or exceptions, the overall situation is a certain way.

For example, if someone says, "On the whole, the event was a success," they mean that despite some minor issues or setbacks, the overall event was successful. The phrase "on the whole" allows the speaker to acknowledge the complexities of a situation while still providing a clear, overall assessment.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Usage of "On the Whole" in Sentences</h2>

The phrase "on the whole" can be used in a variety of contexts and sentence structures. 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. Here are a few examples:

1. "On the whole, I enjoyed the movie, despite a few slow scenes."

2. "The team performed well on the whole, even though there were a few mistakes."

3. "I think, on the whole, we made the right decision."

In each of these examples, "on the whole" is used to provide a general assessment of a situation after considering all the relevant details.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Variations of "On the Whole"</h2>

While "on the whole" is a common phrase, there are several other phrases and idioms in English that convey a similar meaning. These include "all in all", "in general", "overall", and "by and large". Each of these phrases can be used to give a general summary or assessment of a situation.

For example, instead of saying "On the whole, the event was a success," you could say "All in all, the event was a success," or "Overall, the event was a success." Each of these phrases conveys the same general idea, but with a slightly different tone or emphasis.

In conclusion, "on the whole" is a versatile and useful phrase in English. It allows the speaker to provide a general summary or assessment of a situation, while acknowledging the complexities and nuances involved. Whether used in casual conversation or formal writing, "on the whole" is a phrase that can add depth and nuance to your communication.