Is "Who all" and "what all" proper?

Question

My friend and I have been arguing about this for a long time. He claims that it is correct, but I believe it to be incorrect.

In Ontario, everybody speaks like this.

Instead of saying "who is coming?" or "what is in your collection?"people say:

"Who all is coming?" "what all is in your collection?"

To me, it just sounds completely incorrect, and it drives me nuts.

I'm wondering if it's actually correct, or just slang/incorrect.

Thanks

Dave Phillips · Accepted Answer

No its not correct.  It sounds like local slang to me.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymouspeople say:
"Who all is coming?" "What all is in your collection?"

Yes, they do. Sometimes I do, too. I can't believe that I would say anything incorrect, so it must be correct.

I'll be interested to see what different comments you get on this one!

CJ

Clive · Answer

Hi,

In Ontario, everybody speaks like this.

I live in Ontario and I don't speak like this. (not usually.

)

As noted, it's casual and slang-y English.

Clive

Khoff · Answer

I'm with Jim on this one -- it doesn't sound wrong to me.  "Who all is coming?" is asking for more information than "Who is coming?"  I can't think of a better way to ask "who is coming" and indicate that you want a complete list.

Danny2312 · Answer

"Who all is coming" sounds extremely weird to me. I've never heard anybody saying that, so I'll say it's wrong.

Is "Who all" and "what all" proper?

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