she was all

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "she was all" is grammatically correct, but it has no meaning on its own.
In order for it to be used, additional context should be provided. For example: "She was all the things a mother should be—loving, supportive, and kind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

She was all contrition.

The New Yorker

She was all business".

The New Yorker

She was all for it".

The New York Times - Sports

She was all in pink.

The New Yorker

"She was all tearing up.

The New York Times

She was all hostile".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

She was all-state third team.

The New York Times - Sports

She was all-in for O'Rourke.

Los Angeles Times

She's all aflutter.

The New Yorker

"She is, all right.

The New Yorker

She's all alone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was all" to vividly describe someone's state, emotion, or defining characteristic. Ensure the context clarifies what "all" refers to, creating a strong, memorable image for the reader.

Common error

Don't use "she was all" without a clear indication of what "all" encompasses. Vague usage can confuse readers. For example, instead of "she was all", specify "she was all smiles" or "she was all business".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was all" functions as a descriptor, emphasizing a particular state, emotion, or characteristic the subject exhibited. As Ludwig examples show, it sets the stage for specifying a dominant trait or demeanor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was all" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize a person's state or defining characteristic. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and provides context. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral tone. To use the phrase effectively, ensure clarity by specifying what "all" refers to, such as "smiles" or "business", to avoid ambiguity and create a strong image. Consider using alternatives like "she was completely" or "she embodied" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was completely

Emphasizes the extent to which she embodied a certain quality or state.

she was entirely

Highlights the completeness of her state or characteristic.

she embodied

Focuses on her personification of a specific trait.

she was consumed by

Suggests that a particular emotion or focus dominated her.

she was nothing but

Implies that a single characteristic defined her.

she radiated

Indicates that she outwardly projected a specific quality.

she was defined by

Highlights what characteristic was most representative of her.

she exemplified

She was the perfect example of something.

she prioritized

Highlights what she gave the most importance to.

she concentrated on

Suggests her focus was mainly on that specific thing.

FAQs

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

Use "she was all" to emphasize a particular state, quality, or emotion someone exhibited. For example, "She was all smiles after winning the competition" shows her happiness.

What are some alternatives to "she was all"?

Alternatives include "she was completely", "she was entirely", or "she embodied", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "she was all"?

Yes, "she was all" is grammatically correct when used to describe someone's state or demeanor. It's often followed by an adjective or phrase that clarifies what "all" refers to.

What does "she was all" mean?

"She was all" is used to highlight a dominant characteristic or emotion a person displayed. For example, "She was all business" means she was focused and serious.