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Believer Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

all is or all are

Hi,

I think the word 'all' can be followed with (should I use 'followed by'??) a singular or plural verb depending on the situation.

He will guide all who follow Him.

I know you have four members in your group. All is/are?? welcomed.
  

Top answer

Can you give an example of when you think it would take the singular?

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  • Can you give an example of when you think it would take the singular?
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9 Answers
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Can you give an example of when you think it would take the singular?
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I'd say 'all' can only be followed by a singular verb when the meaning of 'all' is 'everything' -- and that is probably limited to well-known expressions most of the time:

All is (not) lost.
All is forgiven.
All is fair in love and war.
All's well that ends well.
All is calm, all is bright.
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Thanks for reminding me of that, Anon. lol

Meanwhile, I'll add that "all" is sometimes used to mean "the only thing". For example:

- All I want is you.

However, even if the "only thing" actually consists of more than one thing, we frequently use the singular form of the verb . For example:

- All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.
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In the case of "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." I am inclined to argue that it is wrong. In this case. it would be "The only things" I want for Christmas are my two front teeth.
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but the reference book PRACTICAL ENGLIHS USAGE gives examples with plural verbs also when 'ALL' is used to mean everything....
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All faculty are required to submit their reports on time.
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All faculty or all faculties?
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Faculty singular and faculty plural... Why? Because English is crazy!Emotion: stick out tongue
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