All the same means even so, anyway: a result despite a difficulty. The room was crowded, but we enjoyed the workshop all the same. It's all the same to me is different: 'I don't mind', and to me makes the difference. It usually comes at the end of a sentence or at the start of a new one.
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a difficulty, but a result all the same; All the same, + contrasting point
- The room was crowded, but we enjoyed the workshop all the same.
- I know you checked the lock. All the same, I would like to check it once more.
- Tuesday or Wednesday, it's all the same to me; I'm free on both days.
What changed
First versionThe walk was longer than expected, but I enjoyed it all same.
RevisionThe walk was longer than expected, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Small words in the middle of fixed phrases are easy to drop, and the goes missing: all same. But the expression is fixed, and the is required: I enjoyed it all the same.
Nevertheless means the same but is more formal: Nevertheless, we enjoyed it. All the same sounds more conversational. It's all the same to me means 'I don't mind', with no concession. The keys are all the same size is literal: they're one size.
Your turn
The film was much longer than expected, but I enjoyed it ___.
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all the same — The film ran long, but you enjoyed it anyway, and that needs the full phrase all the same. Without the, the expression doesn't exist.
Describe a trip or meeting that didn't go to plan but that you still enjoyed. Use all the same.
The seats were uncomfortable, but the performance was worth seeing all the same.
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