linker (evaluation/summary) · neutral
On the whole
UK/ɒn ðə həʊl/US/ɑːn ðə hoʊl/On the WHOLE
Used to give a general summary or overall judgment, often more general than detailed points.
Examples
“On the whole, students were satisfied with the course despite a few organisational issues.”
“On the whole, I prefer living in smaller towns to big cities.”
“On the whole, the book offers practical advice for beginners.”
Band 8 sentence
“On the whole, the initiative improved local employment rates, although some remote areas still lag behind.”
Collocations
- On the whole, + clause
- On the whole, X is preferable/beneficial
Word family
Common mistakes
On whole, the plan worked.→On the whole, the plan worked.
On the whole it was awful.→On the whole, it was awful.
Say it for a higher band
5Generally→6Overall→7+On the whole
Synonyms
Overall
Easily confused
Overall
“Overall, the campaign reached its targets.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Emphasis & conclusion
Learn it with its set