for all

USAGE SUMMARY

"for all" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to denote that something applies universally. For example: "This policy applies to all employees, for all locations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hello vigilance for all.

The New York Times

Drug compensation for all.

The New York Times - Sports

Polite applause for all.

The New York Times

Sexual equality for all.

The New York Times - Books

For all that blood?

The New Yorker

"Prosperity for all.

The New York Times

For all the fuss.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a free-for-all.

The New York Times

IPhone Free-For-All.

Forbes

Play Free-for-all (FFA).

WikiHow

Not for all-wheel drive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, especially in formal writing, consider replacing "for all" with more explicit alternatives such as "despite" or "regardless of" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming "for all" always means 'in spite of'. Remember it also signifies universality. Always ensure the surrounding context makes the intended meaning unambiguous. For example, avoid writing "For all its flaws, it's perfect" when you actually want to highlight a universal quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for all" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It can indicate 'in spite of' or 'despite' something, or signify that something applies universally, as showcased in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

21%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Social Media

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for all" serves dual roles in English, signifying either 'in spite of' or 'universally applying'. Ludwig's examples reveal its widespread usage in news, scientific articles, and wiki content, reflecting a neutral formality. To avoid ambiguity, contextual clarity is crucial. Alternatives like "despite" or "universally" can provide greater precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Be aware of the intended meaning to effectively convey your message. Ensure that your sentences are clear and direct. "For all" its apparent simplicity, careful usage prevents misinterpretation and allows writers to leverage its versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without exception

Stresses the absence of any exclusions.

universally

Highlights the application to every instance.

across the board

Implies a consistent application to all categories.

in every instance

Emphasizes that something is true in each specific case.

altogether

Emphasizes a collective or total aspect.

for each

Highlights individual application within a group.

in its entirety

Focuses on completeness rather than distribution.

to each

Similar to "for each", but can imply a directed action.

to the fullest extent

Highlights completeness and thoroughness, applicable to the entire scope.

in toto

A more formal way to indicate 'completely' or 'in total'.

FAQs

How can I use "for all" in a sentence to mean 'despite'?

Use "for all" at the beginning of a clause to introduce a fact that contrasts with the main statement. For example, "For all his efforts, he still failed."

What are some alternatives to "for all" when I mean 'in spite of'?

Alternatives include "despite", "notwithstanding", or "in spite of". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "for all" to indicate that something applies to everyone?

You can use "for all" before a noun or pronoun to indicate universal application. For example, "Medicare "for all"" suggests that Medicare should be available to everyone.

Is there a difference between "for all" and "for each"?

"For all" implies universality or 'despite', while "for each" refers to individual instances within a group. "For all" focuses on the collective or a contrasting situation, whereas "for each" emphasizes individuality.