Can We Start a Sentence with “All in All”

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When it comes to writing and speaking, it’s important to know how to properly use transitional phrases and expressions. One such phrase that often comes up is “all in all.” This phrase is commonly used to summarize or conclude a point, but can it be used to start a sentence?

What is “All in All” and How is it Used?

“All in all” is an idiomatic expression that means “considering everything” or “in summary.” It is often used to provide a final conclusion or opinion on a topic. For example, “All in all, I think we had a successful meeting.”

Can “All in All” be Used to Start a Sentence?

Technically, there is no grammatical rule that prohibits starting a sentence with “all in all.” However, it is not a common way to begin a sentence and may sound awkward in some contexts. It’s important to consider the overall flow and structure of the sentence and paragraph when deciding whether to use this phrase at the beginning of a sentence.

Alternatives to Starting a Sentence with “All in All”

If you are unsure about using “all in all” to start a sentence, there are several alternative transitional phrases that can be used instead. These include:

  • “Overall”
  • “In conclusion”
  • “To sum up”
  • “In summary”
  • “To conclude”

Using these phrases can provide a similar effect as “all in all” while still maintaining proper grammar and structure.

Examples of “All in All” in Sentences

Here are some examples of “all in all” used in sentences:

  • All in all, I had a great time on my vacation.
  • The project took longer than expected, but all in all, it was a success.
  • The concert was delayed and it rained, but all in all, it was still a memorable experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to start a sentence with “all in all,” it may not be the most effective way to structure your writing. It’s important to consider the overall flow and structure of your sentences and paragraphs when deciding how to use transitional phrases. There are several alternative phrases that can be used instead of “all in all” to provide a similar effect.

Dr. James Morrison
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Dr. James Morrison
Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at Camford Publishing
Founder of On the Horizon (camford publishing)and The Technology Source, and professor of education at North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Morrison is author and co-author of over 200 publications focusing on educational planning and using information technology tools.Dr. Morrison has delivered numerous conference presentations and workshops for associations such as EDUCAUSE, AAHE, the College Board and others.He has served as a planning consultant to a number of colleges, universities, university systems, community colleges, educational agencies and public agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor, and Department of the Army.His consulting activities focus on assisting organizations to integrate information technology tools in teaching and management.

The title of his Speech is “The Future of Distance Learning.” Professor Morrison will describe the driving forces that will affect education and distance learning in this decade and will focus on the implications of these forces for education and distance learning
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