all was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a state of being or condition in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "In the quiet of the night, all was still, and the world seemed to hold its breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There, all was clear, all was possible.

The New Yorker

All was aligned, all was right.

The New Yorker

All was normal — meaning all was well.

The New York Times

"All was good.

The New York Times - Magazine

All was untrustworthy here.

The New Yorker

All was explained.

The New Yorker

All was right.

The New York Times - Magazine

But all was confusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But all was quiet.

The New Yorker

All was not well.

The New Yorker

Not all was lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all was" to create a sense of completeness or finality in your descriptions. For instance, "After the storm, all was calm."

Common error

While "all was" is generally correct, avoid using it repeatedly within long, complex sentences. Overusing it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all was" typically functions as a clause element, often forming the core of a statement describing a condition, state, or situation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all was" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of being or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in descriptive and narrative writing. While "all was" is prevalent in news and media, its usage can also be found in encyclopedias and wiki sources, indicating its versatility. Alternatives like ""everything was"" and "the situation was" provide similar semantic meaning. When using "all was", consider the overall tone and avoid overuse to ensure clarity and stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything was

Replaces "all" with "everything", emphasizing the totality of the situation.

it all was

Adds emphasis on the 'all' element, highlighting the entirety of what's being described.

the situation was

Focuses on the condition of a specific situation.

things were

Refers to the state of affairs or circumstances.

the world was

Implies a state affecting the entire world or a broad environment.

everything had been

Shifts to past perfect tense, indicating a state that existed before a certain point.

the atmosphere was

Specifies the surrounding environment's condition.

the state of affairs was

A formal way of describing how things stood at a particular time.

the prevailing condition

Uses more formal language to describe the existing state.

the order of things was

Emphasizes the established or expected arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "all was" to describe a state of being or a condition. For example, "After the chaos, "everything was" quiet" or "the situation was under control".

What are some alternatives to "all was"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""everything was"", "the situation was", or "things were" as alternatives to "all was".

Is it ever incorrect to use "all was"?

While generally correct, using "all was" excessively or in awkward constructions can make your writing sound stilted. Ensure it fits the natural flow of your sentence.

What's the difference between "all was" and "everything was"?

"All was" and ""everything was"" are often interchangeable, but "all was" can sometimes carry a slightly more poetic or formal tone. "Everything was" may sound more contemporary in certain contexts.