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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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all sent

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all sent" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to convey that everything has been sent, but it is incomplete and ambiguous without additional context. Example: "I have confirmed that all sent items have been received by the recipient."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Click the selection-circle to the right of "Save all sent messages in the Sent items folder".

But they all sent telegrams.

News & Media

The New York Times

All sent at socially convincing times.

Bangladesh aside, they all sent their heads of government.

News & Media

The Economist

Couples sorted out and all sent happily on their way.

"When we were all sent off to Siberia, we had no chess pieces or boards.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Only Australia also sent three riders, while the U.S., France, Netherlands, and Colombia all sent three.

News & Media

The New York Times

The new Haitian immigrants all sent their children to Catholic school.

News & Media

The New York Times

They all sent me tunes – songs you hear on the radio [now].

News & Media

Independent

He scrolled further, displaying even more jokes all sent by the same employee.

News & Media

The New York Times

"They were all sent letters, and almost all of them responded positively".

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, avoid using the phrase "all sent" on its own. Instead, specify what was sent, such as "all messages sent" or "all packages sent".

Common error

Avoid using "all sent" as a standalone statement. Always clarify the subject to which "all" refers, ensuring the sentence is grammatically complete and avoids ambiguity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all sent" functions as an incomplete adjectival modifier when used alone. It implies a state of completion regarding the act of sending, but requires a noun to modify for grammatical correctness. Ludwig, points out that this phrasing lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "all sent" is frequently encountered, especially in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, it is grammatically incomplete. Ludwig AI flags it as lacking clarity. To ensure effective communication, always specify what has been sent (e.g., "all messages sent"). More precise alternatives like "everything was dispatched" or "all items were forwarded" can enhance clarity. Therefore, while common, using ",all sent" in isolation should be avoided in formal writing.

FAQs

How can I improve the clarity of "all sent" in a sentence?

Specify what was sent by adding the noun after "all", such as "all messages sent" or "all documents sent". This makes the sentence grammatically correct and avoids ambiguity.

What are some alternatives to "all sent" that are grammatically correct?

Consider using phrases like "everything was sent", "all items were sent", or "all messages were sent", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "all sent" without specifying what was sent?

No, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The phrase "all sent" lacks a clear subject, making the sentence incomplete and potentially confusing. Always specify the noun to which "all" refers.

How does specifying the subject change the meaning of "all sent"?

Adding a subject clarifies what "all" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "all reports sent" clearly indicates that all the reports were sent, whereas "all sent" on its own lacks this specific information.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: