all things were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all things were" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to refer to a state of existence or condition in the past. Example: "In the beginning, all things were simple and straightforward, without the complexities we face today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All things were equal.

Independent

Through him all things were made.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All things were within reach, simple and inspiring.

The New York Times

"She came immediately," said Shchukin's Russian biographer, Natalya Semyonova, "when all things were covered in silence".

The Guardian - Arts

Monarchy was, in concept, organic and holistic, through it all things were connected.

The New York Times - Arts

"All things were clicking for us tonight, especially on the defensive end," Durant said.

The New York Times

She was still younger and spryer than he, but all things were relative.

The New Yorker

To be an American was to assume that all things were possible.

The New York Times

All things were made by it; and without it was not anything made that was made".

The Economist

And if all things were knowable, where would that leave us?

The New York Times - Books

In the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all things were", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe or situation being described. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "all things were" in isolation without specifying what "all things" refers to. This can lead to vagueness and confusion for the reader. Be specific about the subject being discussed.

Linguistic Context

"All things were" functions as a clause element, typically forming part of a larger sentence structure. It establishes a state of being or condition that existed in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all things were" is a versatile construction used to depict past states and conditions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across diverse domains, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, underscore its widespread applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure contextual clarity to avoid ambiguity and enhance communicative effectiveness. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "everything was" or "the situation was", tailoring your choice to the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. "All things were" serves as a gateway to understanding past narratives and provides a foundation for insightful discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything was

Replaces "all things" with "everything", simplifying the expression.

everything had been

Emphasizes a past perfect state compared to the simple past of the original phrase.

the situation was

Focuses specifically on the state of a "situation", adding a contextual element.

the state of affairs was

More formal way to describe a situation or condition at a certain time.

circumstances were

Highlights the set of conditions that existed, rather than a general state.

conditions were

Similar to circumstances, but focuses more on external factors.

the world was

Expands the scope to a global perspective, focusing on the state of the world.

the reality was

Emphasizes the actual state of things, often in contrast to perception.

in the past

A more general reference to past states or conditions.

at that time

Specific temporal reference, indicating a particular moment in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "all things were" in a sentence?

You can use "all things were" to describe a past state or condition, such as "Back then, "all things were" simpler" or "Before the storm, "all things were" calm".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "all things were"?

Alternatives to "all things were" include "everything was", "the situation was", or "the state of affairs was", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is there a more formal alternative to "all things were"?

Yes, "the state of affairs was" or "circumstances were" can be used as more formal alternatives to "all things were", especially in professional or academic writing.

Can "all things were" be used in the present tense?

No, "all things were" is specifically used to describe past conditions. To describe present conditions, you would use "all things are" or other appropriate present tense constructions.