A1determinerhigh_frequency_chunk

All

UK /["/ɔːl/"]/US /["/ɔːl/"]/

Definition

the whole number of

In simple words: Everything or everyone, without exception.

Examples

  • All the students in the class passed the exam.
  • She read all of the books on the shelf.
  • All you have to do is ask for help.
  • They all agreed on the decision.
  • All the food was delicious at the party.
  • All of the cookies are gone now.
  • He gave his all in the competition.

Usage notes

Use 'all' in both spoken and written English when referring to the entirety of a group. Avoid using 'all' when referring to a specific subset, as it implies inclusivity.

Grammar pattern

all + noun (or pronoun)

Memory hint

Think of 'all' like an 'awe' where everything is amazed — it includes everything!

Collocations

  • all day
  • all the time
  • all over
  • all of us

Synonyms

  • whole
  • entire
  • complete
  • total

Antonyms

  • none
  • part
  • some

Common mistakes

  • 'All' used without a noun (e.g. saying 'I love all' instead of 'I love all of them').
  • Confused with 'all of' when it shouldn't be (e.g. 'All of the students came' is correct; 'All students came' is also correct in informal contexts).