all that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "all that" to refer to a larger group of items or events that have been previously mentioned. For example, "I have a lot of hobbies, from gardening to playing music; all that keeps me busy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All that is accepted.

Independent

All that work, all that hype.

Independent

All that rigorous training.

The New York Times

All that influence".

The New York Times - Arts

All that was changing.

The New Yorker

Fuck all that shit.

The New Yorker

That's all that was".

The New York Times

"All that sand".

The New York Times - Magazine

All that changed.

The New York Times

And all that mockney.

Independent

And all that".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all that" to succinctly refer to a previously mentioned concept, list, or situation, avoiding unnecessary repetition and maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "all that" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound vague or informal. Opt for more specific language to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that" functions primarily as a pronoun or adverbial phrase, referring back to something previously mentioned or indicating a high degree. Ludwig AI examples show its use in summarizing prior statements or emphasizing a quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all that" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, serving to refer back to previously mentioned concepts, summarize information, or add emphasis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, it's advisable to use more specific language in formal contexts to maintain clarity and professionalism. Consider alternatives like "all of the above" or "the aforementioned" in such cases. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, demonstrating its broad applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all of that

This option emphasizes the entirety of what was previously mentioned.

and everything else

This alternative widens the scope to include unspecified related items.

and so on

This phrase indicates a continuation of a list or idea that is already understood.

et cetera

A formal way to indicate that a list continues beyond the items mentioned.

and the like

Similar to "and so on", this phrase suggests similar items are also included.

everything of that nature

This alternative specifies a category of things already referenced.

the entire package

Implies that every aspect or component is part of what's being discussed.

that whole deal

Colloquial way to refer to a situation or arrangement previously mentioned.

the whole shebang

An informal way to refer to everything involved in a situation.

the works

Informal and indicates that everything available or possible is included.

FAQs

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

You can use "all that" to refer back to something previously mentioned, as in, "I enjoy reading, writing, and hiking; all that keeps me busy."

What's a more formal alternative to "all that"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "all of the above" or "the aforementioned" instead of "all that" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "all of that" instead of "all that"?

Yes, "all of that" is grammatically correct and often interchangeable with "all that", though it can sometimes sound slightly more emphatic.

Can "all that" be used to describe a person?

While less common, "all that" can be used informally to describe a person, implying they possess desirable qualities, similar to saying someone is "all that and a bag of chips".