All Is or All Are – Is “All” Singular or Plural?

Before you write the word “all” in your sentences, it would help to know whether it’s singular or plural. Knowing whether “are” or “is” is more appropriate when using “all” is going to be a big help.

Is “All” Singular Or Plural?

“All” is both singular and plural. We only use it in the singular or plural forms when there is a specific word after it that follows a specific form. For example, “that is all” works because “that” is singular. “All the cars are black” works because “cars” is plural.

The definition of “all,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “every one (of), or the complete amount or number (of), or the whole (of).”

It’s listed in The Cambridge Dictionary as a determiner, predeterminer, and pronoun. This shows that it can vary in its singular or plural forms based on the words we use after it.

When Is “All” Singular?

“All” is singular whenever we use it with a singular noun. We know this because it will use words like “that” or “it.” It’s simple to work out whether we need the singular form because we can usually work it out from how it sounds.

“Is” usually sounds out of place when in a plural form (i.e. “all of these is broken”). It doesn’t make sense to use “is” as a plural, so we should only ever use it as a singular.

1. That is all I have to say. You can go now.
2. It is all you need. Just trust me on this and leave immediately.
3. All you need is a little bit of love. I’ll show you what you can do about that.
4. All I see is darkness. I wish there was something else I could do about it.
5. All is not lost. There is still time to reconsider our efforts.
6. All I said is wrong. Just ignore me going forward, please.
7. All of this is nonsense. You shouldn’t listen to a word of it.

When Is “All” Plural?

“All” is plural in some cases, though. We use it whenever we’re dealing with plural nouns or groups of things. Any time where words like “these” or “those” are used, “all” is plural. Similarly, any other plural noun (i.e. “cars,” “letters,” or “books”) works well with a plural “all.”

1. All of the people are angry with me. I didn’t even do anything wrong.
2. All I have for you are a few grapes and an orange slice.
3. All you need are your parents and your siblings. Nobody else matters right now.
4. All of the cars are black. I didn’t even want them to be painted.
5. All of these are ridiculous. Perhaps you should take a moment to change them.
6. These are all good fun! I wish we could do all of them.
7. The parties are all going well! I’m glad I could arrange them.

Is “All Is” Or “All Are” Used The Most?

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “all is” is more popular, but only just. Both forms are very common, which shows that it’s entirely dependent on the context as to which form is going to be more suitable for you.

Is It “All You Need Is” Or “All You Need Are”?

“All you need is” is correct when someone is providing you with one thing you need. If there are multiple different things you need, then it’s likely that you’ll hear, “all you need are.” It’s much less common to hear the plural form used.

• All you need is a little bit of friendship.
• All you need are a few toothbrushes and a bathroom.

Is It “All Is Well” Or “All Are Well”?

“All is well” is the only correct form. You should only use it in this way because “all” is being treated as a singular form. We are referring to our current state of mind or situation, which is a singular entity. “All are well” only applies if we’re talking about multiple people being “well.”

• All is well. Don’t worry about me too much!
• All (of them) are well. Thank you for asking.

Is It “All Is Correct” Or “All Are Correct”?

“All are correct” is the only correct form here. This is because it usually refers to multiple different answers to questions being “correct.” Since we are referring to multiple items or objects, it makes sense to use the plural form “are.”

• Correct: All are correct in this test. Well done to you.
• Incorrect: All is correct. I don’t have to check again!

Is It “All Of Us Is” Or “All Of Us Are”?

“All of us are” is correct. “Us” allows us to be more specific about the group of people we’re a part of. Since we’re discussing a group of people, it makes sense that we should use the plural form whenever we’re using “all of us.”

• Correct: All of us are going to the bar. Do you want to come?
• Incorrect: All of us is inside right now. You can come in.

Is “All Of The Above” Singular Or Plural?

“All of the above” is plural in all cases. We use “all of the above are” because we are splitting the things from “above” into a separate group. It does not treat them as a collective noun, so it makes no sense to use “is” when we refer to “all of the above.”

• Correct: All of the above are wrong. Sorry for tricking you.
• Incorrect: All of the above is stupid. I won’t answer this question.

Is “All” Singular Or Plural In American English?

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “all is” and “all are” are almost identical in American English. This shows that they are both common and popular, and you can usually make them work interchangeably.

Is “All” Singular Or Plural In British English?

In British English, Google Ngram Viewer shows a slightly larger gap between “all is” and “all are.” “All is” is more popular, showing that British English users like to stick to more traditional rules associated with treating “all” as singular when using singular nouns.

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