The word all, as a subject, may take either a singular or plural verb. It depends on the context. Just as with nouns like audience (“the audience is listening”), context determines the choice of verb.
When implying a plural noun, use a plural verb:
- All were running down the road, frantic, as the tornado gained on them.
- I notice all are present for the vote today.
When implying a singular noun, which might be called a collective abstraction or mass noun, use the singular verb:
- All is well on the home front.
- All I want is peace on earth.
Writers often mistakenly use the plural when intending a collective all. These are incorrect:
- All we need are the results from the election [should be is].
- All they wanted were food and clothing to get through the harsh winter [should be was].
I hope all that I’d hoped to impart to you is clear. Then all will be well with your world.
