ALL vs WHOLE

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1. The word order is different:

All + the + noun
The + whole + noun

I have read the whole book.
I have read all (of) the book.

2. We don’t use whole with uncountable nouns. It is mostly used with singular countable nouns.

Anderson spilled all the water on his laptop. (not … the whole water)
The whole town burnt down in a big fire in 1886.


3. They both can be used with plural countable nouns, but with different meanings.

All of the students failed in the exam. (every student)
I need to finish three whole books by the end of the week. (entire books)


4. Whole can be used after a possessive adjective, however, all must be used before a possessive adjective.

My whole life / all my life
My whole day / all my day


5. All has a meaning similar to every, but it is used with a plural noun.

Every student deserves a talented teacher.
All students deserve a talented teacher.

Quick Exercise

Choose All or Whole.

1. all whole my week

2. the all whole year

3. all whole my money

4. all whole my relatives

5. The all whole cake

6. all whole children need care

7. all whole I need is a hug

8. The all whole movie was boring

9. The all whole cast was laughing

10. all whole my luggage

Correctness =
Correct answers:

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