all that fails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all that fails" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a truncated version of a more complete expression, such as "if all else fails." Example: "We can try several methods to solve the problem, but if all that fails, we may need to seek outside help."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

And if all that fails, what about respect for the living?

Independent

Then, if all that fails, maybe try jumping out from behind the bush with a klaxon.

The Guardian - Music

And if all that fails, then the answer is probably Charlotte Brontë.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now he might have to consider adding, "When all that fails, go ahead and tell them what you really think".

The New York Times - Sports

If all that fails to impress, the transport hub of Flinders Street is just a block away.

The Guardian - Travel

If and only if all that fails, then resort to penalty kicks or some less-random arbiter, like games won or goal differential during the tournament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"But of course, we cannot – save all companies that fail".

Independent

But only a few books made enough to compensate for all those that failed.

Huffington Post

All cases that failed due to septic loosening were excluded.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

All implants that failed to fulfill these success criteria were regarded as failures.

BMC Oral Health

Methylation analysis was carried out on all cancers that failed to express the MLH1 gene protein.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, use the complete phrase "if all else fails" instead of the truncated version "all that fails".

Common error

Avoid using "all that fails" by itself. Always provide a context, preferably starting with "if" or "when", to make the phrase grammatically sound and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that fails" functions as a dependent clause, often implying a condition or consequence. However, it usually requires a preceding "if" or "when" to be grammatically complete. Ludwig AI considers the isolated phrase grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "all that fails" appears in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incomplete. Ludwig AI indicates it is a truncated form of "if all else fails". For clearer and more grammatically sound writing, using alternatives like "if all else fails", "when everything else fails", or "as a last resort" is recommended, particularly in formal or professional contexts. The usage frequency is common, with occurrences in news, science, and wiki sources, but correctness should always be prioritized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if all else fails

Adds 'else' for grammatical correctness and completeness, making it a standard idiom.

when everything else fails

Replaces 'that' with 'everything else' for a clearer, more emphatic expression.

as a last resort

Offers a concise alternative, focusing on the finality of the action.

if all attempts are unsuccessful

More formal phrasing replacing the implicit 'attempts' within "all that".

when no other option remains

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives leading to the action.

if all methods prove ineffective

A more formal version focusing on the ineffectiveness of previous tries.

should everything go wrong

Emphasizes a contingency where plans or attempts do not go as expected.

in the worst-case scenario

Highlights considering and using extreme potential outcomes.

if all previous actions are ineffective

A longer, more elaborate restatement focusing on prior ineffectiveness.

as a final measure

Implies the action is the last step to be taken.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the phrase "all that fails"?

The phrase "all that fails" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use the complete phrase "if all else fails" or other alternatives.

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

You can use alternatives like "if all else fails", "when everything else fails", or "as a last resort" depending on the context.

Is "all that fails" grammatically correct?

No, "all that fails" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests that it's a truncated form, and it's better to use a complete phrase like "if all else fails".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "all that fails"?

While not grammatically correct, "all that fails" might be used in very informal conversation. However, for clarity and correctness, especially in writing, it's advisable to use "if all else fails" or a similar phrase.