If you are wondering whether 'all the nation' or 'the whole nation' is correct, I can help!
Here is the short answer:
- 'All the nation' and 'the whole nation' are both grammatically correct.
- 'The whole nation' is the best choice.
However, there is a lot more to learn about these terms. So, stick around to learn exactly how to use them.
Which is Correct, 'All The Nation' or 'The Whole Nation?'
The truth is, you can use either of these phrases. However, 'the whole nation' may be the better of the two.
If you are going to use the former, you can also add of, making the phrase 'all of the nation.'
There are also several other variations of these terms that are acceptable.
Definition of 'All The Nation': What Does 'All The Nation' Mean?
We will look at the definitions of the words in the terms to determine their meanings.
Definition of 'All'
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'all' is an adjective that means:
- The entire amount, extent, or quantity of something
It can also mean:
- The most possible
- Each member or component of something
- The whole sum
- Every one
- Each one of anything
- The entirety of something
- Entirely absorbed or consumed by
- Paying complete attention
- Entirely used up or consumed
- Being more than one thing, object, or person
'All' can also be an adverb that means:
- Quite or wholly
- Selected as the best in an organization or league
- As in sports scoring, for each side or apiece
'All' can also be a pronoun that means:
- Totality or the whole quantity, number, or amount
- Everything or everybody
The word can also be a noun that means:
- The entirety of one's resources, energy, or possessions
Synonyms of 'All'
Synonyms are words you can use in place of other words. Here are some synonyms of 'all':
- Quite
- Totally
- Entirely
- Wholly
- Perfectly
- Evenly
- Completely
- Well
- Entire
- Fast
- Wide
- Utterly
- Absolutely
- Full
- Whole
- Flat
- Dead
- Basically
- Plain
- Cold
- Generally
- Downright
- Primarily
Definition of 'Nation'
The same resource defines 'nation' as a noun that means:
- A political organization
- A community of people consisting of different nationalities and possessing a defined territory
- A territorial area consisting of a body of people of more than one nationality that is usually large in size and independent
Synonyms of 'Nation'
- State
- Empire
- Kingdom
- Country
- Province
- Sovereignty
- Monarchy
- Realm
- Homeland
- Republic
- Territory
- Dictatorship
- Settlement
- Fatherland
- Motherland
- Colony
- Domain
- Dominion
- Superpower
Definition of 'The Whole Nation'
We already looked at the definition of 'nation.' So, let's look at the definition of 'whole.'
Definition of 'Whole'
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'whole' as an adjective that means:
- Without injury or damage
- Restored or recovered
- Intact or free of defect
- Consisting of the entire sum or quantity
- Each or all of an item
- A large or great quantity
- Consisting of an undivided unit
- Concentrated or directed in a specific direction
- Having the same mother and father
- Consisting of the entirety of one's development or nature
- Directed to one end instead of the other
- Extensive in extent, scope, or quantity
'Whole' is also defined as a noun that means:
- A substantial amount or sum
- A totality consisting of all parts
- A unified system with many different parts
'Whole' can also be an adverb that means:
- Entirely or wholly
- Acting as a complete entity
Synonyms of 'Whole'
- All
- Entire
- Total
- Thorough
- Unbroken
- Focussed
- Perfect
- Lump
- Comprehensive
- Unadulterated
- Unqualified
- Intact
- Thorough
Meaning of 'All The Nation' and 'The Whole Nation'
As you can see from the definitions above, all and whole are synonyms. So, both of these terms have the same meaning. They refer to a group of people belonging to a nation or the geographical area of a country or region.
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'All The Nation' or 'The Whole Nation'
Pronunciation is key to learning new words, especially if you are learning English as a second language. Knowing the proper pronunciation of words gives you the confidence to use them.
So, here is a pronunciation guide you can reference.
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'all the nation':
ôl thē nā-shen
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'the whole nation':
thē hōl nā-shen
Ways to Use 'All The Nation' or 'The Whole Nation'
You learned that you can use either phrase, and you learned the meaning and pronunciation of each. However, knowing the meaning and understanding when and how to use terms can differ.
So, here are some tips for using these terms:
- Use 'all the nation' to say that an entire country is doing something.
For example, you could say:
All the nation is protesting the new government.
- Use 'the whole nation' to refer to an entire nation of people.
As an example, you might say:
Under the new legislation, everyone will receive free healthcare.
- Use either phrase to refer to the geographical area of a nation or country.
So, you could say:
All the nation has beautiful scenery.
Or:
The whole nation has stunning scenery.
Sample Sentences Using 'All The Nation' and 'The Whole Nation'
Now, read these sample sentences to ensure that you know and remember how to use these terms in different contexts.
All The Nation
- All the nation is responsible for its future.
- Did you enjoy all of the nation or were there areas you disliked?
- All the nation is shut down for the holiday.
The Whole Nation
- The whole nation celebrated its birthday.
- We are going to visit the whole nation during our visit.
- The whole nation is patriotic and proud of their country.
Recap: Which is Correct 'All The Nation' or 'The Whole Nation'
Finally, let's recap what you learned about whether 'all the nation' or 'the whole nation' is correct:
- Both phrases are grammatically correct.
- You can use 'all the nation,' 'the whole nation,' 'the entire nation,' or 'all of the nation' interchangeably.
If you are struggling with the meanings of English terms, you can always visit this site to verify their definitions. You can also learn about many commonly misused, misspelled, and mispronounced words in the confusing words section here.
So, if you have been wondering how to correctly use other terms, check them out before you go.
