All the with uncountable nouns
We use all the and not the whole with uncountable nouns:
She was given all the advice she needed.
Not:
She was given the whole advice…
All the equipment is supplied.
All and whole with plural nouns
We usually use all the and all of the with plural nouns:
It’s funny when all the actors come in dressed up in their costumes.
She opens all the cupboard doors and doesn’t close them after her.
You have to try all of the activities.
When we use whole with plural nouns, it means ‘complete’ or ‘entire’.
|
entire families |
|
each and every family |
All and whole: typical errors
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We don’t use all before a and an:
She ate a whole bar of chocolate in one go.
Not:
She ate all a bar…
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We can’t omit the before whole with a singular noun:
We travelled throughout the whole country.
Not: …
throughout whole country.