Many writers, speakers, and learners stumble over a simple-looking phrase:
“All was” or “All were”. While it may seem trivial, using the wrong form can make your writing feel awkward or grammatically incorrect.
This guide will break down the rules, show practical examples, and give you the tools to confidently choose the correct form every time.
Understanding “All” in Grammar
The word “all” can act as a pronoun or a determiner, depending on the sentence. Its meaning and grammatical behavior shift based on the context:
- Pronoun usage: “All are welcome to attend.”
- Determiner usage: “All the students passed the exam.”
The key to mastering “All was” vs. All were” lies in understanding whether “all” refers to a singular, collective entity or multiple items/people.
Quick tip: Always identify the noun “all” is referring to—it’s the first step in choosing the correct verb.
When “All Was” Is Grammatically Correct
Singular or Uncountable Nouns
Use “all was” when the subject is singular or uncountable, representing one entity or one concept.
Examples:
- All was quiet after the storm.
- All was lost in the fire.
- All was forgiven in the end.
Here, “all” is not counting individual items; it’s referring to the entirety as a single unit.
Collective Sense
Sometimes, “all” represents a unified whole, especially in literary or formal writing.
- All was calm on the surface of the lake.
- All was in readiness for the ceremony.
Common mistakes:
Many learners incorrectly pair “all” with plural verbs here:
- ❌ All were quiet after the storm.
- ✅ All was quiet after the storm.
When “All Were” Is Correct
Referring to Multiple Countable Nouns
Use “all were” when “all” refers to plural, countable things or people.
Examples:
- All were invited to the party.
- All were exhausted after the hike.
- All were singing in harmony.
Implied Plural Subjects
Even if the plural noun is not explicitly stated, context can make “all” plural.
- All were excited. (referring to a group of people previously mentioned)
- All were accounted for. (implied multiple items)
Contextual cues for plural usage:
- Previous sentences mention multiple entities.
- Collective actions or individual behaviors are described.
Comparing “All Was” vs. “All Were”
Understanding the difference is simpler than it seems. The subject determines the verb.
| Subject Type | Correct Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Singular / uncountable / collective | All was | All was lost in the chaos. |
| Plural / countable / multiple items | All were | All were laughing at the joke. |
| Collective noun (team/group as one) | All was | All was agreed upon in the meeting. |
| Collective noun emphasizing members | All were | All were working hard to finish it. |
Tip: If “all” represents one unit, use “was.” If it represents several units, use “were.”
Special Cases and Exceptions
Idiomatic Expressions
Some phrases are fixed idioms and may seem to break the usual rules:
- All is fair in love and war. (not “all are fair”)
- All is lost. (used to express totality rather than countable items)
Collective Nouns
- Singular emphasis: All of the committee was present. (committee = one body)
- Plural emphasis: All of the committee were taking turns speaking. (focus on individual members)
Regional Variations
- UK English: More flexible with collective nouns.
- US English: Tends to treat collective nouns as singular unless emphasizing individuals.
Literary vs. Conversational Differences
- Literary: “All was in darkness.”
- Conversational: “All were laughing at the show.”
Real-World Usage Examples
Formal Writing
- Reports: All was documented correctly.
- Essays: All were in agreement with the findings.
Informal Writing & Spoken English
- Texting: All were happy to see you.
- Dialogue: “All was fine until the lights went out,” she said.
Case Study from Literature
- Shakespeare: All was lost in the stormy night.
- Modern novel: All were walking down the crowded street.
Quick Practice Exercise
Choose the correct verb:
- All ____ ready for the trip. (was/were)
- All ____ invited to the meeting. (was/were)
- All ____ lost after the fire. (was/were)
- All ____ singing in the choir. (was/were)
- All ____ calm before the announcement. (was/were)
Answers:
- was
- were
- was
- were
- was
Memory Tricks and Mnemonics
- Singular tip: “All as One → Was Done.”
- Plural tip: “All as Many → Were Funny.”
- **Think of “all” as either a single whole or multiple units.
Analogy:
- One cake → All was eaten.
- Ten cakes → All were eaten.
Data Insights
Google Ngram trends show “all were” is more frequent in casual texts, while “all was” dominates literary and historical texts. This reflects a natural preference for singular collective expressions in formal writing.
Quick Reference Guide
| Rule | Use “All Was” | Use “All Were” |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | ✅ All was lost | ❌ All were lost |
| Uncountable noun | ✅ All was water spilled | ❌ All were water spilled |
| Plural noun | ❌ All was happy | ✅ All were happy |
| Collective noun as one unit | ✅ All was agreed | ❌ All were agreed |
| Collective noun emphasizing members | ❌ All was taking turns | ✅ All were taking turns |
| Idiomatic expressions | ✅ All is fair in love and war | ❌ All are fair in love and war |
Common Misconceptions
- ❌ All was invited to the party. (Incorrect – “all” = multiple people → use were)
- ❌ All were lost in the ocean. (Incorrect – “all” = one collective disaster → use was)
- ❌ Believing “all” always takes a plural verb. Context matters.
FAQs
What determines whether to use “all was” or “all were”?
The subject determines it. Singular or collective → “was.” Plural → “were.”
Can “all” refer to both singular and plural in one sentence?
Yes, depending on context. Example: All was quiet, but all were watching silently.
Is “all is” different from “all was”?
Yes. “All is” refers to present tense, while “all was” refers to past tense.
Are there regional differences in usage?
Yes. UK English often allows plural verbs for collective nouns more than US English.
Are idiomatic expressions exceptions to the rules?
Yes. Fixed phrases like All is fair in love and war keep “is/was” regardless of plurality.
Conclusion
Choosing between “all was” and “all were” depends entirely on the subject. If you’re talking about a single, uncountable, or collective entity, use “was.”
If you’re describing multiple countable items or people, use “were.” Remember context, watch for idioms, and apply the memory tricks.
With these tips, you can confidently navigate this tricky grammar point in writing, speech, and literature.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.