all else

USAGE SUMMARY

"all else" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to everything other than something that has already been mentioned. For example, "We had to double-check the calculations, but all else seemed fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All else was stress.

The New York Times

All else is horror.

The New York Times

All else is quiet.

The Guardian - Travel

All else is second.

The New York Times - Arts

Taste above all else, right?

The New Yorker

Before all else, listen.

The New York Times

All else is secondary.

The New York Times - Arts

All else is dross".

The New Yorker

All else is vulgar.

The Guardian - Opinion

All else is postscript.

The New York Times - Books

All else is hypocrisy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all else" to succinctly indicate that all other factors or considerations are secondary to a primary focus. For example, "Focus on quality; "all else" will follow."

Common error

Avoid using "all else" when the scope of exclusion is not clearly defined. Ensure the primary focus is evident to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying ""All else" is secondary," clarify by stating "The play's the thing. "All else" is secondary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all else" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that everything apart from what has just been specified is secondary or of lesser importance. As Ludwig AI explains and showcases through numerous examples, it serves to set priorities or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

21%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all else" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize a primary focus by deeming everything else as secondary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its precise meaning depends on context, so clarity is key. Remembering these points will ensure effective and accurate usage of "all else" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything else

Focuses on the entirety of remaining items or considerations, changing only a single word.

everything besides

Highlights the comprehensive scope of what is being excluded, similar to "everything else".

besides that

Shifts from a noun-based exclusion to an adverbial phrase, indicating a supplementary condition.

other than that

Similar to "besides that", but adds a level of formality to the exclusion.

apart from that

Emphasizes a separation or distinction from a central point, slightly altering the perspective.

aside from that

Positions the excluded element laterally, suggesting a tangential relationship to the main focus.

excluding that

Directly states the act of excluding something, making the exclusion explicit.

save for that

Introduces a sense of exception or reservation, adding a nuanced condition.

barring that

Similar to "save for that", but carries a stronger sense of potential obstacle or condition.

with the exception of that

Formalizes the notion of an exception, clarifying the exclusion with precision.

FAQs

How can I use "all else" in a sentence?

Use "all else" to indicate that everything besides a specific item or concept is secondary or less important. For example, "Taste above "all else", right?" shows taste is the priority.

What phrases are similar to "all else"?

Alternatives to "all else" include "everything else", "besides that", or "other than that", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "all else" formal or informal?

"All else" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives such as "with the exception of that" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does "all else being equal" mean?

"All else being equal" implies that all other factors remain constant, allowing focus on the impact of a specific variable. For a similar idea, you could say "assuming nothing else changes".