What is the difference between whole and entire?

[Rina]

Dear Lucy

I'd like your advice please.
When do I have to use entire and when whole?
Is there any rule ?

[Lucy]

Dear Rina,

There is very little difference between whole and entire. They are both adjectives but whole can be used as a noun (e.g. he stayed in London the whole of the summer) whereas entire cannot. The corresponding noun would be entirety.

In most cases the two words mean the same thing. Whole can be used in more situations than entire; e.g. whole food meaning healthy food.

Kind regards,

Lucy

[Rina]

Thank you so much!
Rina