Phrases with the word all: The word “all” is very common in English. It means “everything” or “everyone” in a group. Sometimes, it shows something complete or most important. We use “all” in many expressions to explain ideas clearly and naturally.
In this lesson, we will learn about special phrases that use the word “all.” These phrases have different meanings and are used in everyday conversations. For example, “above all” means the most important thing, and “all at once” means something happens suddenly.
By learning these phrases, you will understand English better and speak more confidently. Let’s look at the meanings of these phrases with examples to help you use them easily!
Definition of the Word “All”
The word “all” is used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of a particular group, entity, or concept. It often emphasizes completeness or entirety.
Examples:
- All the students passed the test.
- She gave it her all in the competition.
- All is well that ends well.
11 Prepositional Phrases with the Word ALL
Let’s explore the list of 11 prepositional phrases with the word “All”. By understanding these phrases, learners can enhance their fluency and comprehension when encountering “all” in different contexts.
1. Above All
Meaning: To highlight the most significant aspect: most importantly
Examples:
- Above all, I’d like to thank my family.
- Above all, I’d say I value kindness.
- Above all, your health should come first.
2. After All
- Meaning: used to add information that shows that what you have just said is true.
Examples:
- I do like her—after all, she is my sister.
- You shouldn’t be surprised—after all, he’s been working hard.
- Meaning: in spite of what you thought was true or expected to happen.
Examples:
- I’m sorry, but we’ve decided not to come after all.
- It seemed like it would rain, but it was sunny after all.
3. All Along
Meaning: from the time that a situation starts to happen.
Examples:
- I knew all along that it wasn’t his real name.
- Do you think he’s been cheating us all along?
- She had planned to leave all along but never told anyone.
4. All at Once
Meaning: suddenly and unexpectedly.
Examples:
- All at once, there was a loud crashing sound.
- All at once, she realized what she had to do.
Also Read: 12 Prepositional Phrases with Case
5. All of a Sudden
Meaning: very suddenly.
Examples:
- All of a sudden, there was a knock at the door.
- The lights went out all of a sudden.
6. All but
Meaning: almost.
Examples:
- The game was all but over by the time we arrived.
- Britain’s coal industry has all but disappeared.
- The plan is all but ready for execution.
7. All in All
Meaning: used for showing that you are considering every aspect of something.
Examples:
- All in all, I think it has been a very successful conference.
- We both thought that all in all, it might not be a bad idea.
- The team played well today; all in all, it was a good performance.
8. Once and for All
- Meaning: completely and in a way that will finally solve a problem.
Examples:
- Let’s settle this matter once and for all.
- We need to make a decision once and for all.
- Meaning: British English spoken—used to emphasize your impatience when you ask or say something that you have asked or said many times before.
Examples:
- Once and for all, will you be quiet!
- Answer the question once and for all!
Also read: 14 Prepositional Phrases with IN
9. Not at All
- Meaning: used for emphasizing a negative statement.
Examples:
- I’m not at all happy about it.
- My parents were not at all pleased with my exam results.
- Meaning: used as a polite reply after someone has thanked you.
Examples:
- Thank you for all your help. “Not at all.”
- “I’m grateful for your assistance!”—“Not at all.”
10. For All
Meaning: despite.
Examples:
- For all its clarity of style, the book is not easy reading.
- For all his many faults, it has to be said he was a good father.
- For all the challenges we faced, the event was a success.
11. All Round
Meaning: used to say that you are describing the general quality or effect of something.
Examples:
- It was a ghastly business all round.
- All round, it’s not a bad car.
- The new manager has brought improvements all round.
[Prepositional Phrases with the word all]