by all means

USAGE SUMMARY

"by all means" is a very common phrase used in written English.
You can use it when offering permission or encouragement - for example, "By all means, feel free to use this recipe for your dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By all means.

The New York Times

SC: By all means.

The New York Times

By all means, protest.

The New York Times

Keep calm, by all means.

The Economist

"By all means," he said.

The New Yorker

Do it, by all means.

The New Yorker

NAME NAMES, by all means.

The New York Times

By all means, finish it.

The New Yorker

Yes, by all means.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By all means innovate.

The Guardian - Sport

By all means, repot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by all means" to offer enthusiastic agreement or permission, adding a positive and encouraging tone to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "by all means" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound too casual; consider alternatives like "certainly" or "absolutely" for a more professional tone.

How to use

Learn how to use "by all means" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by all means" primarily functions as an emphatic affirmative response, granting permission or expressing enthusiastic agreement. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by all means" is a versatile phrase used to express enthusiastic agreement or permission. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media and Academia, the phrase carries a neutral register. When aiming for utmost formality, consider opting for alternatives like "certainly" or "absolutely". However, in most scenarios, "by all means" serves as an excellent way to convey support and willingness. With a very common frequency, it's a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly

A more direct and concise expression of agreement or affirmation.

absolutely

Similar to "certainly", but may carry a slightly stronger sense of conviction.

definitely

Indicates a clear and unambiguous agreement or confirmation.

of course

Implies that something is expected or understood, making it a polite agreement.

sure thing

An informal expression of agreement, often used in casual conversation.

without a doubt

Emphasizes the certainty of something, indicating strong agreement.

by any means necessary

Indicates a determination to achieve something, even if it requires extreme measures.

assuredly

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "certainly".

most assuredly

Even more emphatic than "assuredly", conveying a very strong sense of certainty.

positively

Expresses a confident affirmation or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "by all means" in a sentence?

Use "by all means" to enthusiastically grant permission or express agreement. For example, "Can I borrow your book?" "By all means, take it!"

What are some alternatives to "by all means"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly", "absolutely", or "of course" depending on the context.

Is "by all means" formal or informal?

"By all means" is generally considered a polite and acceptable phrase in various contexts, but it can sometimes lean towards being slightly informal. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "certainly".

When is it appropriate to use "by all means"?

It's appropriate to use "by all means" when you want to give someone permission or express enthusiastic agreement. It conveys a sense of willingness and encouragement.