on the whole
Meaning: generally or overall
This is a fixed idiomatic expression.
On the whole, customers were satisfied.
Prepositions used with “whole”
The most common fixed expression is on the whole, meaning “generally.” Other combinations with whole depend on sentence structure and meaning.
Quick answer
Which preposition is most common?
Use on the whole to mean “generally” or “overall.” Other prepositions are used in different structures, such as part of a whole or devoted to the whole group.
On the whole, the project was successful.
Each chapter contributes to the whole.
They worked for the whole day.
Each chapter contributes to the whole.
They worked for the whole day.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
part of a whole
Meaning: one section of something complete
Use of after part, section, member, and similar nouns.
The engine is one part of a whole system.
whole of + determiner
Meaning: the complete amount
Use the whole of before pronouns and some determiners.
She spent the whole of her savings.
for the whole + period
Meaning: during an entire time
Here for expresses duration, not a fixed phrase with whole.
He stayed for the whole weekend.
to the whole + group
Meaning: directed at everyone
Use to with communication or distribution.
The message was sent to the whole team.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
on the whole
On the whole, the event went well.
generally; overall
of a whole
This is one piece of a whole.
belonging to a complete thing
for the whole
She waited for the whole afternoon.
through an entire period
to the whole
The rule applies to the whole class.
directed at or affecting everyone
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using in whole instead of on the whole
In whole is nonstandard for the meaning “generally.”
✕ In whole, the plan worked. ✓ On the whole, the plan worked.Confusing whole and all
Whole is usually used with singular countable nouns.
✕ the whole books ✓ all the booksOmitting the article in on the whole
The fixed phrase includes the.
✕ On whole, it was useful. ✓ On the whole, it was useful.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. ___ the whole, the feedback was positive.
2. This chapter is part ___ a whole.
3. She stayed for the whole ___.
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Frequently asked questions
Is on the whole an idiom?
Yes. It means “generally” or “overall.”
Can I say in whole?
Not for the meaning “generally.” In whole is rare and usually avoided in modern English.
When do we use whole of?
Use it before pronouns and some determiners, such as “the whole of it” or “the whole of the city.”
Related preposition guides
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