2
People envy her because she is good at all.
People envy her because she is good at everything. Nobody understands all.
Nobody understands everything. Do not use all to mean ‘everything’ unless it is immediately followed by a relative clause: ‘Is that all she wanted to know?’ 3
All of us didn’t want to go to bed.
None of us wanted to go to bed. All companies will not tolerate lazy workers.
No company will tolerate lazy workers. See Language Note at NOT 4
We all must try to find a solution to the problem.
We must all try to find a solution to the problem. We all were delighted when we heard the news.
We were all delighted when we heard the news. See Language Note at ALWAYS 5
As all you know, my name is Mary Smith.
As you all know, my name is Mary Smith. I’ve never forgotten how beautiful all it was.
I’ve never forgotten how beautiful it all was. All of is placed immediately before a pronoun, but all is placed immediately after. Compare: ‘All of them speak French.’ ‘They all speak French.’ 6
I like all the kinds of music.
I like all kinds of music. All of children learn to speak naturally.
All children learn to speak naturally. All of the young couples need a home of their own.
All young couples need a home of their own. For general reference, put all/most/some etc immediately in front of the noun: ‘In Japan most people use chopsticks.’ For specific reference, use
