all time

USAGE SUMMARY

"all time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has happened or exists over a long period of time. For example, "He is an all-time great athlete".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

ALL TIME ??? That's crazy".

The New York Times - Sports

Yes... of ALL time.

Huffington Post

Repeat, of all time.

Independent

Think about them all time.

The New Yorker

Through it all, time passes.

The New York Times

'For all time.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

episode of all-time.

The New Yorker

My all-time favourite?

The Guardian

An all-time classic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Confidence is at all-time lows.

The New York Times

Bank deposits hit an all-time record.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all time" to emphasize the scale or scope of a comparison, achievement, or phenomenon across the entirety of existence or a defined period.

Common error

Avoid using "all time" when you mean "all the time", which indicates frequency or habit rather than a historical comparison. For example, say "He practices all the time" (frequently) instead of "He practices all time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all time" typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is being considered across the entire span of time. It's often used to denote the best, worst, highest, or lowest level achieved, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples like "all-time record" or "all-time high".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all time" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the extent or duration of something across the entirety of a given period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable in various contexts. While "all time" enjoys widespread usage, it is important to distinguish it from "all the time", which indicates frequency rather than historical comparison. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, and less often in encyclopedias and reference materials. By following the guidance provided, you can effectively use "all time" to highlight significance and magnitude in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of all time

Emphasizes a superlative comparison across all periods.

ever

Focuses on the entirety of past existence, instead of all time in general.

throughout history

Highlights the historical perspective over an undefined time range.

in all eras

Emphasizes the concept of inclusivity throughout different historical periods.

in recorded history

Limits the scope to documented historical periods.

for the ages

Suggests an enduring quality or impact that will last through time.

for all eternity

Focuses on an infinite and unending duration.

in perpetuity

Highlights a state of lasting forever.

time immemorial

Refers to a time so ancient that it cannot be remembered.

since the beginning of time

Emphasizes the very origin of existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "all time" to describe something that is the greatest, highest, or most significant within a certain period. For example, "She is an "all time great" athlete" or "This is an "all time low" for the company".

What is the difference between "all time" and "of all time"?

"All time" typically modifies a noun directly, as in "all time record". "Of all time" is used in comparative statements to rank something, for example, "the best movie "of all time"".

What are some alternatives to "all time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ever", "throughout history", or "in recorded history".

Is it correct to use "all time" as two words?

Yes, it is correct to use "all time" as two separate words. It's commonly used to indicate a duration encompassing all of time or the entire history related to something.