All this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "All this time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a duration of time that has passed, often implying that something has been true or happening for that entire period. Example: "I can't believe you knew the answer all this time and never told me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All This Time by Tiffany.

The Guardian - Music

Who's had it all this time?" he asks.

The New York Times

After all, this time, mother is still alive.

The Guardian

"We have worked at the plant all this time.

The Guardian

Amtrak Seeks New Subsidy, Wants It All This Time.

Forbes

After ignoring it for all this time?

Huffington Post

"All this time?

The New Yorker

All this time, Nancy was stricken.

The New Yorker

All this time working "day jobs".

The New York Times

All this time, they're looking at my brain.

The New York Times

All this time Johnson's name was kept off the ballot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "All this time" with a question to express frustration or wonder about a situation that has persisted.

Common error

Avoid using "All this time" when simply stating a duration without implying surprise or frustration. Use more neutral phrases like "during this period" or "throughout this time" when the emotional emphasis is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "All this time" is as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a duration of time. It typically emphasizes the length of time something has occurred or been true. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "All this time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, primarily functioning to indicate a duration, often with an undertone of surprise or realization. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It is most prevalent in News & Media sources, showing a neutral to informal register. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to highlight extended durations where there is an element of surprise, disbelief, or frustration. Alternatives like "throughout this period" or "all along" can be used depending on the context. While versatile, be mindful of its subtle emotional implications and choose alternative language when a purely neutral tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The whole time

A more informal way to emphasize the entire duration.

All along

Implies something was true or known from the beginning of the period.

During this entire time

Highlights the continuous nature of something happening during the specified time.

Throughout this period

Emphasizes the entire duration of the mentioned period, often used in formal contexts.

Over this timeframe

Emphasizes that something has happened in that specific lapse of time.

The entire time frame

Highlights the duration of time that something has lasted.

During the course of this time

Highlights a development or evolution of something in that time period.

For the whole duration

Indicates the length of time that something lasts.

For the duration

Focuses on the length of time that something lasts.

In the intervening period

Highlights the time between two specific events.

FAQs

How can I use "All this time" in a sentence?

You can use "All this time" to express surprise or realization that something has been happening for an extended duration. For example, "I can't believe you knew the answer "all this time"!"

What are some alternatives to "All this time"?

Some alternatives include "throughout this period", "during this entire time", or "all along", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "During all this time"?

Yes, "During all this time" is grammatically correct, but "All this time" is more concise and commonly used to convey the same meaning.

What is the nuance between "All this time" and "For all this time"?

"All this time" typically emphasizes surprise or disbelief, while "For all this time" often highlights a continuous state or action over the specified period.