All in all means “overall”, “in the end” or “taking everything into account”. It gives a general verdict after the pros and cons have been mentioned: The food was average, but all in all it was a lovely evening. Most often the phrase comes at the start of a sentence and is followed by a comma.
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All in all, + sentence; …, but all in all + clause; All in all, I'd say/I think + clause
- There were a few long queues, but all in all the festival was very well organised.
- I sometimes miss my colleagues. All in all, working from home has made my life much easier.
- The course was hard at times. All in all, though, I learnt far more than I expected.
What changed
First versionThe hotel was far from the beach, but in total the holiday was a success.
RevisionThe hotel was far from the beach, but all in all the holiday was a success.
In total can look like a way of saying “in the end” or “overall”. But in total is about sums and numbers: In total, we spent £600. For a general verdict on a trip, a film or a course, you need all in all. Only in total was changed.
Overall also sums things up and is more common in essays. Overall can also be an adjective meaning “total” or “general”: the overall cost. All in all is not used like that; it only gives a general verdict. In tone, all in all is a little lighter, so it is safer to start the final paragraph of an essay with In conclusion or Overall. In Speaking, the phrase sounds natural: All in all, I'd say it was a good experience.
Your turn
The seats were uncomfortable and the show started late, but ___ it was a great night out.
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all in all — First the drawbacks are listed, and then a general verdict is needed: taking everything into account, it was a great night out. That is all in all. At all means “in any way” and is used in negatives and questions: I didn't enjoy it at all.
Tell a friend about a film, a series or a book. Name one strength and one weakness, then give your overall verdict with all in all: do you recommend it or not?
The acting was brilliant, but the ending felt rushed. All in all, I'd definitely recommend it.
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