All in All – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever finished a movie that had a slow start but an amazing ending—and said, “Well, it was worth watching”? Or looked back on a busy, messy week and realized it actually went pretty well? In English, you can wrap up those mixed experiences with the phrase all in all! This helpful expression is used to give a final, overall opinion after considering everything.
What Does “All in All” Mean?
“All in all” means “when everything is considered” or “overall.” It’s used to summarize a situation that may have had both good and bad parts—but you’re focusing on the big picture. Think of it like stepping back from a painting: up close, there are messy brushstrokes, but from a distance, it’s beautiful. The phrase isn’t about math—it’s about balance and final judgment.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or reflective conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when wrapping up a story, review, or experience. It’s common in travel recaps (“The hotel was noisy, but all in all, the trip was great”), work feedback, or personal reflections. This phrase is informal but widely accepted—great for everyday English, not formal reports.
Example Sentences
- All in all, it was a successful event—even with the rain.
- The app has some bugs, but all in all, it’s really useful.
- All in all, I’m happy with how the project turned out.
- It was a tough semester, but all in all, I learned a lot.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Was the conference worth the travel?”
Jamie: “All in all, yes! The sessions were great, even if the hotel was pricey.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “all in all” to introduce a list of details. It’s a closing phrase—not an opener. Also, avoid using it when everything is purely positive or negative; it’s best when there’s a mix of experiences.
❌ Don’t say: “All in all, first the flight was delayed, then my bag was lost…” (That’s a list—not a summary!)
✅ Do say: “The flight was delayed and my bag was lost, but all in all, the trip was unforgettable.”
Practice Tip
Next time you reflect on a mixed experience—like a job, trip, or event—end with: “All in all, it was…” It’s a natural way to give a balanced, thoughtful conclusion in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “all in all” to wrap up your thoughts with wisdom and balance! It’s a smooth, mature phrase that shows you’ve weighed the pros and cons. Keep using it—and remember, life is rarely perfect, but all in all, it’s usually worth it.