they all

USAGE SUMMARY

"they all" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used both as a pronoun to refer to a group of people and as an adverb to express an action is done by a group. Example: They all went to the store to buy supplies for the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eventually, they all did.

The New Yorker

They all make flowers".

The New Yorker

They all perished.

The New Yorker

They all did, 32.

Independent

They all agree.

The New York Times

They all work hard.

The New York Times

They all thrived.

The New York Times

Nowadays, they all do.

The New York Times - Sports

They all suck.

The Economist

They all were.

The New Yorker

They all laughed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they all", verify that the verb agrees with the intended meaning: Are you talking about a shared action or individual characteristics? Choose the verb accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "they all" when the group you're referring to is unclear or hasn't been explicitly defined in the preceding sentences. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they all" functions as a pronoun and adverb, modifying a verb to indicate that all members of a previously identified group are performing the action. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they all" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that every member of a specific group performs an action or possesses a characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While versatile, ensuring clarity in the referent of "they" is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Found primarily in news and media, but also used in science and formal business settings, "they all" is a neutral expression suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to use plural verb forms and contextual awareness for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all of them

Uses a prepositional phrase to emphasize the totality of the group.

every one of them

Highlights individuality within the group while still referring to the entire set.

each of them

Focuses on individual members of the group, implying a separate action or characteristic for each.

the whole group

Emphasizes the unity and completeness of the group as a single entity.

collectively

Highlights the group acting as a single unit with a shared purpose.

as a group

Similar to 'collectively' but can also suggest a more informal or less organized arrangement.

in unison

Implies perfect agreement and synchronized action within the group.

without exception

Emphasizes that there are no outliers or individuals excluded from the statement.

universally

Suggests a widespread feeling or action is present within the group.

to a man

An idiomatic expression (usually gendered) conveying complete agreement or shared action within a group of men.

FAQs

How do I use "they all" correctly in a sentence?

"They all" is used to indicate that every member of a previously mentioned group performed an action or shares a characteristic. Example: "The students studied diligently; "they all" passed the exam".

What are some alternatives to using "they all"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "all of them", "each of them", or "every one of them". These alternatives may provide a slightly different nuance or emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they all is" instead of "they all are"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The pronoun "they" is plural, so it requires the plural verb form "are". The correct phrase is ""they all" are".

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "they all"?

Ensure that the referent of "they" is clear from the context. If there are multiple groups mentioned, specify which group ""they all"" refers to to prevent confusion.