all that counts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all that counts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a particular aspect or outcome in a situation. Example: "In the end, all that counts is whether we achieved our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's all that counts now".

The Economist

He's all that counts.

The Guardian - Opinion

The three points is all that counts.

The New York Times - Sports

"The picture is all that counts.

The Guardian

"That's all that counts right now".

The New York Times - Sports

And surely that's all that counts".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Being on it is all that counts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

ALL THAT COUNTS, by Georg M. Oswald.

The New York Times - Books

"We won; that's all that counts".

The New York Times - Sports

Good musicianship is all that counts.

The Guardian - Music

All that counts is that you're still a citizen.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all that counts" to concisely emphasize the most important factor in a situation, especially when other details are less relevant. For example, in negotiations, you might say "All that counts is reaching a fair agreement."

Common error

While "all that counts" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in academic or business writing. Opt for alternatives like "the most significant factor" or "the primary consideration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that counts" functions as a concise way to emphasize the paramount importance of a specific aspect or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. The examples demonstrate its role in highlighting what truly matters in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all that counts" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. As Ludwig AI states, it's effective for highlighting what truly matters. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with alternatives available for more formal writing. The examples show its prevalence in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting. Remember to use it strategically to focus attention on the key takeaway.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what truly matters

Focuses on the genuine significance of something, shifting the emphasis from calculation to inherent importance.

what is most important

Directly highlights the paramount aspect, using a more descriptive and less idiomatic structure.

the key thing is

Emphasizes the central element for success or understanding, simplifying the expression.

the main thing is

Similar to "the key thing is", but focusing on the principal aspect rather than a tool for understanding.

the only thing that matters

Strengthens the exclusivity of the important aspect, making it the sole consideration.

what is of the essence

Uses a more formal and philosophical tone to indicate the crucial element.

the crucial point is

Highlights a decisive factor, particularly in arguments or decision-making processes.

what takes precedence

Emphasizes the element that should be prioritized, especially in situations with competing demands.

the overriding factor

Indicates the most dominant influence or element, surpassing all others in importance.

what holds significance

Focuses on the importance and value of a particular element, using a slightly more abstract tone.

FAQs

What does "all that counts" mean?

The phrase "all that counts" means the only thing that is important or has value. It emphasizes the paramount aspect of a situation, suggesting that other details are less relevant.

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

You can use "all that counts" to highlight the key factor in a scenario. For example, "Despite the challenges, "all that counts" is that we learned from the experience".

What can I say instead of "all that counts"?

You can use alternatives like "what matters most", "the key thing is", or "the main thing is" depending on the context.

Is "all that counts" formal or informal?

"All that counts" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "the most significant factor" or "the primary consideration".