Understanding "All" as a Subject
"All" can act as a subject, but it's tricky because it's not a singular or plural noun in itself. It refers to a group or totality. Whether "all" is singular or plural depends on what it's referring to:
* Singular "all": When "all" refers to a single, unified entity, it takes a singular verb.
* Plural "all": When "all" refers to multiple, separate items, it takes a plural verb.
Examples
* Singular "all": "All the evidence points to a conspiracy." (Here, "all" refers to the evidence as a whole.)
* Plural "all": "All the students are going on a field trip." (Here, "all" refers to multiple students.)
Tips for Choosing the Right Verb
1. Consider the Context: Think about what "all" is referring to. Is it a singular entity (like a group, a sum, or a concept) or a collection of individual items?
2. Look for the Noun Phrase: "All" often works with a noun phrase to clarify its meaning. For example, "all the students" is a plural noun phrase.
3. Use the Correct Verb Form: Match the verb to the singularity or plurality of what "all" represents.
Here are some common phrases with "all" and their verb forms:
* All of it is... (Singular)
* All of them are... (Plural)
* All the information is... (Singular)
* All the people are... (Plural)
* All the time is... (Singular)
* All the times are... (Plural)
Remember: Pay close attention to the context to determine the correct verb form when "all" is your subject.