in all earnestness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in all earnestness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express sincerity or seriousness in your statement or opinion. Example: "In all earnestness, I believe that we need to reconsider our approach to this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A year earlier, I had stood in front of my parents in all earnestness and told them that I wanted to be a writer.

The New Yorker

The afternoon was half gone; Antonio, in all earnestness, offered three times to fix spaghetti with oil (local), garlic (his) and peperoncini (his).

The New York Times

Here was an ice age in all earnestness; a picture of Northern Europe during the Great Ice Age some fifty thousand years ago.

The Guardian

In all earnestness I offer Corgan my apologies and my empathy during what I imagine is a difficult time with the loss of his friend.

The Guardian - Music

A book that in all earnestness presents reams of dialogue like the following: '"What are the teachers like," his father said.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed many people viewed Stravinsky's evolution beyond the Rite as a betrayal of both his Slavic roots and modernistic genius, so the question can be posed in all earnestness: did Stravinsky himself survive the Rite?

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Regarding Soundgarden's legacy, in a 2007 interview Cornell said, I think, and this is now with some distance in listening to the records, but on the outside looking in with all earnestness I think Soundgarden made the best records out of that scene.

Wikipedia

Both my grandmothers prayed five times a day and practiced Islam in all its earnestness.

Huffington Post

"I sincerely hope, if I were transmogrified into a different person," he exclaimed in all-consuming earnestness, "that you would notice".

Vice

And somehow, with all the earnestness in the world, The Blow pull it off.

Huffington Post

In their fundamental earnestness, in their sense of themselves as a chosen journalistic people.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in all earnestness" when you want to assure your audience that you are being completely honest and serious about what you are saying. It adds a layer of sincerity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in all earnestness" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and even pretentious in such contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "honestly" or "seriously".

Linguistic Context

"In all earnestness" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, adding emphasis to the sincerity and seriousness of the statement. Ludwig shows that it’s often used to introduce a statement of belief or opinion, assuring the listener or reader of the speaker's genuine intent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in all earnestness" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the sincerity and seriousness of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While it effectively conveys genuineness, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives like "in all seriousness" or "honestly" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to consider the tone and register of your writing to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all seriousness

Direct synonym, focusing on the gravity of the statement.

in all sincerity

Highlights the genuineness and honesty of the speaker.

with complete sincerity

Emphasizes the completeness of the speaker's sincerity.

honestly speaking

Introduces a statement with an emphasis on honesty.

to be perfectly honest

Highlights complete honesty, often implying a potentially unwelcome truth.

in truth

A more direct and simple way to emphasize the truth of a statement.

genuinely

Adverb emphasizing the authentic nature of a feeling or belief.

with utmost seriousness

Emphasizes the extreme level of seriousness.

with no irony

Highlights the absence of irony, emphasizing straightforwardness.

in good faith

Suggests honesty and sincerity in one's actions or statements.

FAQs

What does "in all earnestness" mean?

The phrase "in all earnestness" means with complete sincerity and seriousness. It's used to emphasize that you are being genuine and truthful.

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

You can use "in all earnestness" to preface a statement you want to be taken seriously, such as, "In all earnestness, I believe this is the best course of action."

What are some alternatives to saying "in all earnestness"?

Some alternatives to "in all earnestness" include "in all seriousness", "in all sincerity", or honestly speaking.

Is there a difference between "in all earnestness" and "in all sincerity"?

While both phrases convey honesty and genuineness, "in all earnestness" emphasizes the seriousness of the statement, while "in all sincerity" focuses on the honesty and genuineness of the speaker. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance differs.