All-time favorite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "All-time favorite" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has consistently been your favorite over a long period. An example is: "Chocolate ice cream is my all-time favorite dessert." Alternative expressions include "everlasting favorite" and "ultimate favorite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"My all-time favorite movie," he said.

The New Yorker

Where is your all-time favorite ride?

The New York Times

"It's my all-time favorite guitar".

The New York Times - Style

However, the SE is among my all-time favorite work!

The New York Times

What's your all-time favorite movie based on a book?

The New York Times - Books

Who is your all-time favorite city comptroller?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

My all time favorite has to be Patrick Norton.

TechCrunch

He is one of my all time favorite actors.

Los Angeles Times

Your all time favorite porno--what is it?

Vice

Your all time favorite album/song and why.

Huffington Post

And the Bulgarian rose, my all time favorite," she said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "All-time favorite", ensure it accurately reflects a consistent and long-held preference, not just a current one.

Common error

Avoid using "All-time favorite" to describe something you've only recently discovered or enjoyed. This diminishes the phrase's meaning and implies a longer history of appreciation than exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "All-time favorite" functions as a compound adjective that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is held in high regard over a long period. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "All-time favorite" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a long-held and strong preference. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with neutral register. When using the expression, it's important to accurately reflect a consistent, long-term preference rather than a recent one. Alternatives such as "top pick" or "ultimate choice" may be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Favorite of all time

Rearranges the original phrase for slight variation.

All-time preferred

Synonymous, using 'preferred' instead of 'favorite'.

Top pick

Suggests a selection from a range of options.

Ultimate choice

Implies a final and definitive selection.

Number one

Simple and direct expression of preference.

Most cherished

Highlights the emotional value and affection associated with the subject.

Most loved

Emphasizes affection and positive emotion.

Greatest of all time

Focuses on superlative achievement rather than personal preference.

Best-loved

Uses a compound adjective to convey fondness.

Personal best

Emphasizes individual achievement and performance.

FAQs

How can I use "All-time favorite" in a sentence?

You can use "All-time favorite" to describe something you have consistently loved over a long period. For example, "'The Godfather' is my "all-time favorite" movie."

What are some alternatives to "All-time favorite"?

Alternatives include "top pick", "ultimate choice", or "most cherished", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "Favorite of all time" instead of "All-time favorite"?

Yes, "Favorite of all time" is grammatically correct and conveys essentially the same meaning as "all-time favorite". The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "All-time favorite" and "Current favorite"?

"All-time favorite" implies a long-standing preference, while "Current favorite" indicates a preference that is true now but may change in the future. For example, you might say "'The Shawshank Redemption' is my "all-time favorite" movie", but "'The Queen's Gambit' is my current favorite show".