all - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
all Word Meanings
- the whole quantity or extent of something
- every one of a group or category
- the entirety
all Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
all Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɔːl/
US
/ɔl/
all Word Etymology
Old English 'ale', meaning 'all, entire'. The term evolved in the Germanic languages leading to its current form. Imagine a circle encompassing everything, visually representing completeness and unity.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach across a cluttered desk and move my hand along a row of pencils. I push a few aside, then pull the last one into place, and the whole line shifts together. The effort feels steady, a moment of adjustment as I decide to keep nothing out. When the last pencil settles, the sense of all—the whole set, every piece—quietly emerges.
Real Context
All is a versatile determiner and pronoun that signals the whole quantity, extent, or every member of a group. In English you can say 'all of the books' or 'all the people', and you typically pair 'all' with 'of' when the following noun is a determiner or pronoun: 'all of them', 'all of us'. Learners often confuse 'all' with 'every' in phrases like 'every one' or with 'the whole' in singular contexts, and they sometimes omit 'of' in 'all of the' contexts. A circle surrounding everything is a good mental image for completeness and unity. Remember that with countable plurals you say 'all', while with mass nouns you may say 'all of the sand' or simply 'all the sand'.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Use all with plural nouns or mass nouns in general; 2) 'all of' is common before pronouns or definite nouns; 3) reserve 'every' for individual members; 4) with mass nouns decide between 'all' and 'all of the' based on definiteness; 5) swap 'all' for emphasis before noun: 'all students' vs 'all of the students'; 6) practice with both countable and uncountable examples.
Common Misconceptions
- All and every are interchangeable in all contexts
- All of the people must be singular
- Mass nouns can never take 'of' after all
- All means 'part of' or 'some of'
- You always need 'of' after all with plural nouns
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Compare all with every to decide when to use collectively vs individually
- Use all of with pronouns: all of them, all of us
- Don’t confuse mass nouns with count nouns in all-phrases
- Practice both with examples: all the books vs all books
- Notice word order changes when emphasizing: all students vs all of the students
- Test against similar phrases like 'the whole' and 'all of the' as needed
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'all'?
A.Everything
B.None
C.Some
D.Many
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses the word 'all' correctly?
A.She ate all the time during the party.
B.I ate all of the apples.
C.The cake tasted all delicious.
D.All the books were read by her last night.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to the word 'all'?
A.Most
B.Few
C.Every
D.Each
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'all'?
A.None
B.Some
C.Few
D.Any
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario using the word 'all'?
A.The students worked hard on their projects.
B.The store was crowded with customers.
C.The team won the championship.
D.She finished all her homework.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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