Cool MateAll vs Whole
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| All | Whole | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Everything or everyone, without exception. | All of something; complete. |
| CEFR level | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | determiner | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'all' in both spoken and written English when referring to the entirety of a group. Avoid using 'all' when referring to a specific subset, as it implies inclusivity. | Use 'whole' when referring to something in its entirety. It is appropriate in both written and spoken contexts, but may sound less formal in academic writing. Avoid using it with specific countable nouns; instead, use with uncountable or collective nouns. |
Frequently asked questions: All vs Whole
What's the difference between "All" and "Whole"?
"All" means: Everything or everyone, without exception. "Whole" means: All of something; complete.
When should I use "All" and "Whole"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "All" and "Whole" the same CEFR level?
"All" is at A1, "Whole" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.