all
determiner
UK/ɔːl/US/ɔːl/
The whole amount, quantity, or extent of something; every one of a group or category.
Example Sentences
All students must submit their assignments by Friday.
We used all the flour when we baked the cakes.
All the books on the shelf belong to the library.
He spent all his savings on a new car.
All the children in the neighborhood love ice cream.
All employees are required to attend the meeting.
I want all the details about the project, no matter how small they may seem.
All the participants in the marathon completed the race, which was a remarkable feat of endurance and determination.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
pronoun
UK/ɔːl/US/ɔːl/
Everyone or everything; the total number or amount.
Example Sentences
All is well now that the storm has passed.
All are invited to join the celebration.
When all was said and done, they decided to move forward with the plan.
All have arrived safely at their destination.
All in attendance received a gift bag.
All is forgiven, so let’s put the past behind us.
All made their voices heard at the meeting, demanding change and transparency from the organization.
In the end, all turned out exactly as they had hoped, despite the many challenges along the way.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
adverb
UK/ɔːl/US/ɔːl/
Completely or entirely; to the greatest extent.
Example Sentences
She was all alone in the house after midnight.
He was all ready to start the presentation when the projector malfunctioned.
They felt all worn out after running the marathon.
She arrived all decked out in her finest attire.
We were all set to go on vacation, but then our flight got canceled.
The child was all smiles upon receiving the birthday present.
He found himself all too aware of the consequences of his decision, yet he chose to proceed anyway.
Though the journey was tough, they were all the more determined to reach the summit, persevering through every obstacle.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A determiner expressing total inclusion or the entire amount or number of something.“All” functions as a determiner, pronoun, or adverb. As a determiner, it precedes nouns to express the entirety (e.g., “All people are welcome”). When used as a pronoun, it replaces the noun entirely (e.g., “All are welcome”). As an adverb, it can emphasize completeness (e.g., “He was all alone”). You can use it to indicate the entirety of a collection, group, or quantity. In written communication, “all” is typically placed before the noun it modifies, or used by itself as a subject pronoun to refer to the complete set or group. In speech, its meaning is largely context-dependent, but it consistently highlights that nothing is excluded. Be mindful of potential ambiguity; for example, “all of them” refers to every individual, while “all the time” means continuously. Understanding context will ensure correct usage, whether you’re referring to an entire group, amount, or period.
Alternatives
For alternatives to convey completeness or entire inclusion, you can consider words like “every,” “entire,” “total,” or phrases like “the whole lot.” Each of these options carries a nuanced sense of completeness, yet they differ slightly. “Every” focuses on each individual item or person within a broader group, underlining a distributive quality. “Entire” highlights something in its full, unbroken state, emphasizing singularity. “Total” often connotes a sum or an absolute measure, suitable for numerically or conceptually measurable concepts. “The whole lot” is more colloquial, implying everything in a particular set or context without omission. When choosing an alternative, pay close attention to the intended meaning and formality level. “Entire” and “total” tend to be more formal or precise, while “the whole lot” is relaxed and conversational. These substitutes provide versatility and can enrich your expression of completeness.
Writing
When writing, consider the diverse roles “all” can play, from noun determiner to pronoun. Place it near the noun or verb it modifies to minimize ambiguity. If you need to include a specific group (e.g., “all participants”), offer context about who or what they encompass to avoid vagueness. Additionally, vary sentence structures to keep your text engaging. You might use parallel constructions (e.g., “All beliefs, all opinions, and all viewpoints deserve consideration.”) for emphasis and clarity. Watch for overuse; using “all” repetitively could dilute its effect. Instead, incorporate synonyms like “every” or “entire” when suitable, ensuring smooth and clear prose. Keep a keen eye on context, ensuring that readers clearly understand the scope you intend to cover. By choosing “all” judiciously, you can maintain precision, avoid confusion, and underscore total inclusivity in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, “all” appears frequently to emphasize completeness. It’s a handy, straightforward way to show that nothing is left out. For example, saying “We’re all going to the movies” lets everyone know no one is excluded. Or, if you’ve gathered a variety of items, you might say, “I grabbed all the snacks,” which means you got every snack possible. It’s also common to say “That’s all” to wrap up a thought or statement, signaling you’ve finished what you wanted to express. The word is simple and universal, so you can freely use it when you need to indicate the entirety or include everyone in your statement. Just be aware that in casual settings, “all” can sometimes be used loosely, so if precision matters—like in scheduling or important instructions—you may want to specify or clarify what you truly mean to be “all.”
Etymology
The English term “all” has roots in Old English (“eall”), which closely traces back to Proto-Germanic origins, illustrating a historical consistency in the sense of totality or completeness. Over the centuries, the pronunciation and spelling shifted slightly, but the core meaning stayed intact. Across various Germanic languages, such as German and Dutch, you’ll find cognates like “alle” that reflect this shared heritage. Interestingly, “all” has endured with minimal semantic drift, consistently expressing wholeness or universality. Because of its foundational place in the language, “all” appears in a vast range of idiomatic phrases, like “all in all,” meaning “everything considered,” or “once and for all,” signifying a definitive resolution. Its long history and stable meaning demonstrate how vital the concept of inclusivity has been to communication and thought, spanning cultures and centuries alike.