What Does Hole Mean?
A hole is a hollow space, opening, or gap in a surface. It can be physical (a hole in the wall) or metaphorical (a hole in an argument).
Hole functions as a noun.
What Does Whole Mean?
Whole means entire, complete, or undivided. As a noun, it refers to a thing in its entirety ("the whole of the building").
Whole functions as a adjective / noun.
Hole vs Whole: Key Differences
| Hole | Whole |
|---|---|
| An opening or gap | Entire or complete |
| Always a noun | Adjective or noun |
| "A hole in the ground" | "The whole truth" |
Examples of Hole in a Sentence
- There's a hole in my sock.
- The dog dug a hole in the backyard.
- She poked a hole in the paper with her pencil.
- The lawyer found a hole in the prosecution's argument.
Examples of Whole in a Sentence
- She ate the whole pizza by herself.
- The whole class passed the exam.
- I spent the whole day cleaning the house.
- The project took a whole year to complete.
How to Remember the Difference
A hole is something you fall into (think of the "o" as a hole). Whole starts with a "w" for "w"ithout anything missing.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| She read the hole book in one day. | She read the whole book in one day. | 'Whole' means the entire book. |
| There's a whole in the fence. | There's a hole in the fence. | An opening is a 'hole.' |
| The hole team celebrated. | The whole team celebrated. | 'Whole' means the complete team. |
If you are unsure which word fits, try Rephrasely's free grammar checker to catch errors instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'w' in 'whole' silent?
The silent 'w' comes from Old English 'hal,' meaning healthy or complete. The 'w' was added later to distinguish it from 'hole' in writing, even though both words sound identical.
What does 'on the whole' mean?
'On the whole' means 'generally' or 'all things considered.' For example, 'On the whole, the project was a success.'
Is 'wholesome' related to 'whole'?
Yes. 'Wholesome' literally means promoting well-being or health. It shares the same root as 'whole,' meaning complete or sound.