all three

USAGE SUMMARY

"all three" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to three distinct objects or entities. For example, "I had to pick from three options, and I chose all three."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All three?

The New York Times - Arts

Incredibly, all three did.

The New York Times

All three died.

The New York Times

All three teams failed.

The New York Times

Dean attends all three.

The New Yorker

He rejects all three.

The Economist

All three are important.

The Economist

All three ended rallies.

The New York Times

All three deny wrongdoing.

The Economist

Europeans do all three.

The Economist

Kathmandu has all three.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if "each of the three" might be more appropriate if you want to emphasize the individual characteristics or actions of the three entities.

Common error

Avoid using "all three" without clearly establishing what the three entities are. For example, instead of saying "All three agreed", specify: "The manager, the employee, and the client all three agreed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all three" functions as a determiner, specifically a predeterminer, modifying a noun phrase (often implied). It indicates that the entirety of a previously mentioned group of three is being referred to. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all three" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a determiner to specify a complete group of three items or entities. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and wiki sources. While neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure a clear reference to the three entities being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "the whole trio" or "each of the three" may offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis. Given its strong source authority and consistent usage, "all three" remains a reliable choice for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each of the three

Highlights that you are referring to every one

all of the three

Adds a bit of emphasis and formality.

every one of the three

Focuses on the individuality of each item within the three.

the entire three

Stresses the completeness and totality of the group.

the whole trio

Emphasizes the completeness of the group of three.

the complete set of three

Stresses the completeness and defined number of items.

the three together

Highlights the combined nature of the three.

all members of the trio

Highlights individual members within a group of three.

the triad as a whole

More formal and emphasizes the unity of the three.

the threesome in total

Informal, emphasizes the group of three in its entirety.

FAQs

How to use "all three" in a sentence?

You can use "all three" to refer to a specific set of three items or people that have already been mentioned. For example, "We considered apples, bananas, and oranges; I like "all three"."

What can I say instead of "all three"?

You can use alternatives like "the whole trio", "all of the three", or "each of the three" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "all three" or "all of the three"?

"All three" is generally more concise and commonly used. "All of the three" is grammatically correct but can sound more formal or emphatic. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

When should I use "each of the three" instead of "all three"?

Use "each of the three" when you want to emphasize the individual characteristics or actions of the three entities. For example, "Each of the three team members had a unique skill set." While "all three" focuses on them as a group.