All Was or All Were – Which Is Correct?

In English, even native speakers stumble over grammar that seems simple at first glance. One of the most puzzling questions many people face is how to use phrases like all was and all were correctly. Both are technically correct, but the context makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a detailed guide, here it is: The word all can be either singular or plural, depending on what it refers to. That’s where verb agreement comes in – it helps determine the right choice. For instance, when all refers to a single group or mass noun, we use all was. But when it refers to multiple things or plural forms, we switch to all were.

As someone who teaches language for a living, I’ve seen how easily common mistakes pop up when we ignore collective nouns or skip over real-world examples. Tools like Google Ngram Viewer offer useful insights into actual usage patterns, and they’re great for spotting trends that aren’t always in textbooks. This helps you not just memorize rules but truly understand how grammar works in real life. So before you dive into an answer, look closely at the full context. That’s how you cut through the confusion and speak with confidence.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Basics: When to Use “All Was” and “All Were”

To choose between “all was” and “all were,” you must first understand the number (singular or plural) of the subject that follows “all.”

Use “all was” when “all” refers to a singular or uncountable noun.
Use “all were” when “all” refers to a plural countable noun.

This distinction may seem simple, but it can get tricky in practice. Let’s break it down.

Exploring “All Was”: Usage in Singular Contexts

“All was” is correct when referring to uncountable nouns or abstract concepts. These nouns are treated as singular in English.

Examples of “All Was” in Action:

Sentence	Explanation
All was forgiven.	“Forgiveness” is abstract and singular.
All was lost in the fire.	“Everything” (uncountable concept) was lost.
All was ready before the guests arrived.	Refers to the situation as a whole.

Notice how “all” here represents an idea or a totality – not individual items.

Defining the Collective Noun Scenario with “All Was”

Collective nouns can also take “was” when viewed as a single entity.

Examples:

All the furniture was delivered yesterday. (Furniture = uncountable collective noun)
All the equipment was installed correctly. (Equipment = treated as a single unit)
All was calm after the announcement. (Refers to the overall atmosphere)

Even though some collective nouns refer to multiple things, they are grammatically singular when treated as a unit.

Illustrating “All Was” with Real-World Examples

Let’s look at some real-world examples from literature, media, and speech:

“All was quiet on the western front.” – Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front

“All was vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 1:2, The Bible

These examples show “all” being used to express complete states or abstract concepts, which is why the singular verb “was” follows.

Common Mistakes and Clarifications Using “All Was”

Many writers confuse “all was” and “all were” when dealing with collective or abstract nouns.

Common Error:

❌ All was people shouting and running around.
✅ All were people shouting and running around.

Why? Because “people” is clearly plural, so we use “were.”

Another Confusion Point:

❌ All of the cookies was eaten.
✅ All of the cookies were eaten.

Reason: “Cookies” is a plural noun.

The Plural Perspective: Instances Where “All Were” Fits Best

“All were” is used when “all” refers to a plural noun. This is probably the more common usage in everyday language.

Examples of “All Were” Used Correctly:

Sentence	Subject	Explanation
All were invited to the meeting.	Plural (people)	Talking about multiple individuals.
All of the lights were on.	Plural (lights)	Refers to several lights.
All the employees were informed.	Plural (employees)	Multiple people.

Whenever you’re referring to more than one countable item or person, use “were.”

Comparing Usage: “All Was” vs. “All Were” in Various Sentences

Let’s compare both phrases in a side-by-side format for better clarity.

Sentence	Correct?	Why?
All was lost.	✅	Abstract/unquantifiable idea.
All were taken.	✅	Refers to multiple items/people.
All was the noise of the crowd.	❌	Should be “All were” if it refers to multiple sources.
All were the sounds of the storm.	✅	Plural “sounds.”

The Impact of Surrounding Nouns on “All”

Often, the noun following “all” dictates the verb. If the noun is plural, the verb must be too.

Examples:

All of the water was used. (Water = uncountable)
All of the books were returned. (Books = plural)

If the subject is a compound noun (e.g., “books and pens”), it’s automatically plural.

How Verb Agreement Shapes the Correct Choice

Subject-verb agreement is one of the most important grammar rules in English.

Type of Noun	Use “All Was” or “All Were”?
Uncountable (milk, love, air)	All was
Countable plural (tables, coins, ideas)	All were
Collective (team, staff, family)	Depends on treatment as singular or plural

Grammatical Insights: Analyzing “All Was” and “All Were” Through Google Ngram Viewer

Let’s see how “all was” and “all were” have been used historically in English literature using Google Ngram Viewer data.

Google Ngram Viewer Insights (1800–2019):

Phrase	Frequency Trend
All was	More common in formal/historic texts
All were	More common in modern usage

The phrase “all was” saw higher usage in earlier centuries, likely because of more formal, abstract writing styles. “All were” has overtaken it due to modern, people-focused language.

Special Cases and Exceptions in Using “All Was” or “All Were”

Special Situations to Consider:

Idiomatic expressions:
- All was for nothing (correct – abstract concept)
Poetic or literary language:
- Sometimes bends the rules for stylistic effect.
Ambiguous subjects:
- All of what was taken? – Here, the referent must be clarified.

Quick Tip:

When in doubt, identify the noun right after “all” – that tells you what verb to use.

Distinguishing Between Collective and Plural Expressions

A collective noun names a group seen as a single entity; a plural noun represents individual items.

Noun Type	Example	Correct Form
Collective	All the baggage	All was
Plural	All the players	All were

Always determine if “all” refers to the group as a whole or to individuals within the group.

Situational Usage: Formal vs. Informal Contexts

Your choice of “all was” or “all were” may also depend on the tone and register of the conversation.

Formal Writing: More likely to include abstract, collective uses (e.g., “All was complete.”)
Informal Speech: More people-focused, so “All were…” is common.

Perfecting Your Grammar: Tips and Tricks for Remembering When to Use “All Was” or “All Were”

Here are some easy-to-remember grammar hacks:

Quick Grammar Tips:

Use “was” when “all” = uncountable (e.g., sugar, time, love)
Use “were” when “all” = plural (e.g., friends, books, ideas)

Mnemonic Device:

WASP Rule = WAS for Singular/Abstract, WERE for Plurals

Final Thoughts

“All was or all were” doesn’t have to be confusing anymore. The key is knowing what “all” refers to – that’s your guide.

Whenever you’re unsure, break down the sentence. Identify the noun or subject following “all,” and ask whether it’s singular, plural, or abstract. Let the verb agreement follow from there.