Useful options include overall, collectively, in general, and on the whole. The best choice depends on context: phrases for referring to something collectively or in its entirety.
Choose the Phrase by What You Are Summarizing
- Overall
- Collectively
- In general
- On the whole
- Taken together
- In its entirety
- In total
- All things considered
- Viewed as a whole
- As an entire group
- Broadly
- In aggregate
- As one
- In full
Overall
“Overall” is the most versatile adverb for referring to the general picture.
Example: Overall, the evidence supports the revised approach.
Collectively
“Collectively” emphasizes members or parts considered together as a group.
Example: Collectively, the evidence supports the revised approach.
In general
“In general” is useful for broad statements that do not apply to every detail.
Example: In general, the evidence supports the revised approach.
On the whole
“On the whole” is a close idiomatic equivalent meaning when everything is considered.
Example: On the whole, the evidence supports the revised approach.
Taken together
“Taken together” fits evidence, factors, or findings that are interpreted together.
Example: Taken together, the evidence supports the revised approach.
In its entirety
“In its entirety” emphasizes completeness of the thing itself.
Example: In its entirety, the evidence supports the revised approach.
In total
“In total” focuses on the combined amount rather than the overall character.
Example: In total, the evidence supports the revised approach.
All things considered
“All things considered” signals a judgment made after weighing multiple factors.
Example: All things considered, the evidence supports the revised approach.
Viewed as a whole
“Viewed as a whole” makes the act of considering all parts explicit.
Example: Viewed as a whole, the evidence supports the revised approach.
As an entire group
“As an entire group” is useful when separate members are treated as one collective unit.
Example: As an entire group, the evidence supports the revised approach.
Broadly
“Broadly” is a concise formal adverb for a general rather than detailed view.
Example: Broadly, the evidence supports the revised approach.
In aggregate
“In aggregate” is especially useful for combined data, totals, or group-level analysis.
Example: In aggregate, the evidence supports the revised approach.
As one
“As one” emphasizes unity rather than merely total quantity.
Example: As one, the evidence supports the revised approach.
In full
“In full” is best when you mean completely or to the full extent.
Example: In full, the evidence supports the revised approach.