What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
total
Example
The total cost of the project was $10,000. [total: adjective]
Example
I totaled the numbers and got 50. [totaled: past tense verb]
whole
Example
The whole cake was eaten by the guests. [whole: adjective]
Example
I need the whole day to finish this project. [whole: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whole is more commonly used than total in everyday language. Whole is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while total is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between total and whole?
Both total and whole can be used in formal and informal contexts, but total is more commonly used in technical or specialized fields, which may give it a more formal tone.
