all of

IPA/ˈɔːl ɒv/
IPA/ˈɔːl ʌv/

all of — idiom

1. placed before a number or quantity expression to stress that the total is surpri

1.慣用語C1
釋義

placed before a number or quantity expression to stress that the total is surprisingly low, often with an annoyed, amused, or ironic tone.

例句

After an hour in line, we bought all of three concert tickets.

all of + number for a disappointingly small total

The clinic had all of one nurse on duty that night.

all of + one to stress a very small amount

同義詞
  • only

    neutral and more common; it does not carry the same ironic punch

  • a mere

    more formal in style; also stresses that the amount is small

  • just

    everyday alternative, but less pointed than this fixed phrase

文法句型

all of + number

all of + quantity expression

用法筆記

Usually comes before a small number or quantity phrase when the speaker wants to show that the amount is much less than expected. Distinguish from sense 2, which focuses on reaching a stated figure in full rather than on disappointment.

常見錯誤

❌We bought all three tickets after waiting an hour.
✅We bought all of three tickets after waiting an hour.
💡without 'of', 'all three tickets' simply means the whole set, not this ironic small-amount pattern.
❌The company gave us all of few dollars.
✅The company gave us all of five dollars.
💡this pattern normally takes a specific number or clear measured quantity.

2. used before an age, amount, or measurement to show that the figure really reache

2.慣用語C1
釋義

used before an age, amount, or measurement to show that the figure really reaches that number in full.

例句

Manuela was all of nineteen when the newspaper hired her.

all of + age for a full exact figure

The bridge stood all of fifty metres above the river.

all of + measurement

同義詞
  • fully

    the closest single-word equivalent; often slightly more formal

  • a full

    common before measurements and periods of time

  • as much as

    often adds surprise, while this phrase can simply mark the complete figure

文法句型

all of + age

all of + amount

all of + measurement

用法筆記

Most often appears before ages, distances, lengths of time, or other measured amounts. Compared with sense 1, this use presents the number as complete or exact rather than mainly complaining that it is small.

常見錯誤

❌She was all nineteen when she won the prize.
✅She was all of nineteen when she won the prize.
💡keep 'of' before the number in this emphatic pattern.
❌The wall was all of tall.
✅The wall was all of two metres tall.
💡this pattern needs a stated figure, not just an adjective.