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The best other word for overall depends on how you use it. At the start of a sentence that sums things up, say on the whole, all in all, in general, generally or all things considered. Before a noun, say total (the total cost), general (the general impression), comprehensive (a comprehensive review) or combined (combined score). And if you mean the clothing, Americans and Britons use different words altogether.
Below: a quick picker, alternatives for summing up, for “overall” before a noun, for the clothing sense, how to vary it in essays and reports, mistakes and a short practice set.
Quick picker
| You wrote… | Try instead |
|---|---|
| Overall, the trip was a success. | On the whole / All in all / All things considered, the trip was a success. |
| Overall, students prefer online tests. | In general / Generally / By and large, students prefer online tests. |
| the overall cost | the total cost, the full cost, the all-in cost |
| the overall impression | the general impression, the broad impression |
| an overall review of the system | a comprehensive review, a full review, a top-to-bottom review |
| the overall winner | the outright winner (sport), the winner on aggregate |
| overall responsibility | ultimate responsibility, final responsibility |
| the overall trend | the general trend, the long-term trend, the underlying trend |
When “overall” sums things up
As a sentence opener, overall means “taking everything into account”. These do the same job, each with a slightly different feel:
- on the whole – balanced, suggests there were some exceptions. On the whole, the reviews were positive.
- all in all – friendly, slightly informal, good after listing ups and downs. The hotel was noisy and the food was average, but all in all we had a great week.
- all things considered – stresses that you have weighed the problems. All things considered, the launch went well.
- in general / generally – about what is usually true, not one event. In general, smaller classes get better results.
- by and large – informal-to-neutral, “mostly”. By and large, the staff were helpful.
- broadly speaking – admits you are simplifying. Broadly speaking, the plan has two stages.
- altogether – in total, or “all in all”. Altogether, it was a disappointing season.
- taken as a whole – formal, for judging a body of work. Taken as a whole, the series is uneven.
- in short / in sum / to sum up – for a final summary at the end of a piece. In short, the policy worked.
Choose by what you are summing up. After mixed points, on the whole and all in all fit best. For a general pattern, in general and by and large. For a closing line, in short or to sum up. A phrase that only announces your last paragraph is not a general swap for overall, which can sum up a single point anywhere.
When “overall” comes before a noun
As an adjective, overall means “including everything” or “general”. The right replacement depends on the noun:
| Word | Best with | Example |
|---|---|---|
| total | numbers, money, amounts | The total cost came to $4,200. |
| combined | scores, figures from several parts | Their combined income is just over the limit. |
| aggregate | formal or sports totals | United won 4-3 on aggregate. |
| net | a figure after deductions | Net profit rose by 8%. |
| gross | a figure before deductions | Gross revenue was $2 million. |
| general | impressions, trends, views | The general mood was hopeful. |
| broad | pictures, outlines, agreement | We reached broad agreement on the budget. |
| comprehensive | reviews, plans, cover that includes everything | The insurance offers comprehensive cover. |
| whole / entire | the complete thing | The whole project took six months. |
| all-round / all-around | a person’s or thing’s general ability (UK / US) | She is the best all-round athlete in the school. |
| ultimate | responsibility, control, aims | The director has ultimate responsibility for safety. |
| outright | a clear winner or majority | No party won an outright majority. |
Watch net and gross: they are not interchangeable with overall or with each other. If you just mean “everything added up”, total is safest.
“Overall” and “overalls” as clothing
This is where British and American English part ways.
- In American English, overalls are trousers with a bib and shoulder straps. The British call these dungarees.
- In British English, overalls are a one-piece garment covering the whole body, worn over clothes for dirty work. Americans say coveralls; boiler suit is another British word.
- In British English, an overall (singular) is also a loose coat worn over clothes to protect them – in a shop, a classroom or a lab. Americans might say smock or work coat, and lab coat in a laboratory.
Varying “overall” in essays and reports
Students often start every conclusion and every chart summary with “Overall”. In an IELTS-style chart description, the overview sentence can open in several natural ways:
- It is clear that spending on transport rose in all three countries.
- In general, younger people used the library more than older people.
- The most striking feature is that sales doubled while costs stayed flat.
- Looking at the figures as a whole, rural areas lagged behind cities.
“Overall” itself is not wrong in an overview; examiners and editors simply prefer it not to open every paragraph. For linking words in the body of an essay, see another word for additionally, another word for however and another word for as a result.
Common mistakes
| Not quite right | Better | Why |
|---|---|---|
| In overall, the event was a success. | Overall, the event was a success. / On the whole, … | Overall does not take in. |
| Overall in total, we raised $500. | In total, we raised $500. / Altogether, we raised $500. | Both words say the same thing; use one. |
| Paint spilled overall the floor. | Paint spilled all over the floor. | All over means “everywhere on”; overall means “in total” or “generally”. |
| The kids were all together exhausted. | The kids were altogether exhausted. / The kids were completely exhausted. | All together means “in one group”; altogether means “completely” or “in total”. |
| Our gross profit after tax was… | Our net profit after tax was… | After deductions is net; before is gross. |
| Generally, the meeting on Monday went well. | On the whole, Monday’s meeting went well. | Generally describes what usually happens, not one event. |
Practice
Replace overall with the best option in brackets.
- The overall cost of the wedding was higher than we planned. (total / broad)
- Overall, the weather was bad, but we still enjoyed the trip. (All in all / As a result)
- Overall, cats sleep more than dogs. (In general / All things considered)
- The CEO has overall responsibility for the decision. (ultimate / gross)
- We need an overall review of our safety rules. (comprehensive / outright)
- The team won the cup 5-2 overall after two matches. (on aggregate / by and large)
Answers: 1 total; 2 All in all; 3 In general; 4 ultimate; 5 comprehensive; 6 on aggregate.
Quick answers
What is a formal word for overall?
For summing up, on the whole, taken as a whole or in sum. Before a noun, comprehensive, aggregate or total.
What can I say instead of “overall” in a conclusion?
On the whole, all things considered, in short or to sum up. Pick one that matches what comes before: after a mix of strengths and weaknesses, on the whole or all things considered reads best.
Is “overall” one word or two?
One word when it means “in total” or “generally” (the overall result). Two words only in phrases like a roof over all the stalls, where over and all keep their separate meanings.
Can “overall” be an adverb?
Yes. Overall, sales rose (sentence adverb) and How much did it cost overall? (in total) are both standard.