whole

English grammar and usage issues

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matthau
Member
Posts: 24
Joined: 25 Mar 2008, 09:42

whole

Unread post by matthau »

What is the correct way of saying:
the whole of Europe,
whole Europe,
all Europe?
jasminade
Rising Star
Posts: 80
Joined: 26 Jul 2004, 14:23

Re: whole

Unread post by jasminade »

matthau wrote:What is the correct way of saying:
the whole of Europe,
whole Europe,
all Europe?
The first is correct, the second is incorrect, and the third should be "all of Europe", but with a little context. Do you mean "all of the people of Europe". I presume you do, so it should be fine in the right context.
matthau
Member
Posts: 24
Joined: 25 Mar 2008, 09:42

Re: whole

Unread post by matthau »

Thank you very much, Jasminade.
I want to check if I got everything right.
So,
1. 'The whole of Europe' is about 'territory'.
e.g. The whole of Europe is covered with snow.
2. 'All of Europe' is about 'people'
e.g. All of Europe are worried about global warming.
3. 'Whole Europe' is incorrect. 'The whole Europe' also?

My students delve into every detail. They won't let you go until you've dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's. :)
jasminade
Rising Star
Posts: 80
Joined: 26 Jul 2004, 14:23

Re: whole

Unread post by jasminade »

matthau wrote:Thank you very much, Jasminade.
I want to check if I got everything right.
So,
1. 'The whole of Europe' is about 'territory'.
e.g. The whole of Europe is covered with snow.
2. 'All of Europe' is about 'people'
e.g. All of Europe are worried about global warming.
3. 'Whole Europe' is incorrect. 'The whole Europe' also?

My students delve into every detail. They won't let you go until you've dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's. :)

1. and 2. Not necessarily. Again it is all about the context in which you would use the phrase.
3. Yes.

It is good that your students are keeping you on your toes.
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