all was well

USAGE SUMMARY

"all was well" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to connote a sense of relief or contentment. For example, you could say: After the long and arduous journey, the family was relieved to find that their destination was as they had imagined and all was well.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"All was well".

The New York Times

All was well, it seemed.

The Economist

Eventually, all was well.

The Guardian - Film

But all was well.

The New York Times - Health

(I changed position and all was well).

The New York Times

At any rate, all was well.

The New Yorker

That didn't mean all was well.

The New York Times

All was normal — meaning all was well.

The New York Times

All was well, it said.

The Guardian

At first, all was well.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

All's well.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all was well" to signal the resolution of a conflict or problem, providing a sense of closure to a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "all was well" repeatedly in a short span, as it can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "everything was fine" or "peace was restored" for a more engaging narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all was well" functions as an independent clause, often used to conclude a narrative or a section of text. It serves to indicate that a situation has resolved positively, bringing a sense of closure. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all was well" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate that a situation has reached a positive resolution. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase conveys a sense of relief and closure, suitable for various contexts without being overly formal. For added nuance, alternatives such as "everything turned out fine" or "peace was restored" can be used to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. While it provides closure, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything turned out fine

Focuses on the outcome being positive, similar to "all was well" but emphasizes the process leading to it.

things ended positively

Highlights the positive conclusion of a situation, differing from "all was well" by emphasizing the ending.

the situation resolved favorably

Emphasizes the resolution and its favorable nature, rather than a general state of well-being.

peace was restored

Suggests a return to a state of calm after a period of trouble, which is a more specific context than "all was well".

harmony prevailed

Implies a state of agreement and tranquility, where "all was well" is a more general statement.

order was re-established

Specifically refers to the restoration of order, which is a subset of situations where "all was well" might apply.

the crisis passed

Indicates that a difficult period is over, implying that things are now good, similar to the relief conveyed by "all was well".

equilibrium was achieved

Points to a state of balance and stability, which is a particular type of situation where "all was well".

the problem was fixed

Directly states that an issue has been resolved, leading to a positive state, in contrast to the broader implication of "all was well".

normality returned

Indicates a return to a normal state after a disruption, similar to the sense of resolution in "all was well".

FAQs

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

You can use "all was well" to indicate a return to a positive state after a period of trouble. For example, "After the storm passed, "all was well" and the sun shone brightly."

What are some alternatives to "all was well"?

Some alternatives include "everything was fine", "peace was restored", or "the crisis passed", depending on the specific context.

Is "all is well" grammatically correct?

Yes, "all is well" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "all was well", but refers to the present, while "all was well" refers to the past.

When is it appropriate to use "all was well" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "all was well" when describing a past situation that has reached a satisfactory resolution or a return to a state of normalcy after some disruption.