Which is Correct: 'Is' or 'Are' When Using 'All'?

When using the word 'all,' the choice between 'is' and 'are' in a sentence can often lead to confusion. This article will explore the correct usage of 'is' and 'are' in sentences like 'All I see is a desk and a chair,' and why the second sentence is grammatically correct.

Introduction to Sentence Structure

In English, the choice between 'is' and 'are' depends on the subject of the sentence. A subject is what the sentence is about. For example, in 'All I see is a desk and a chair,' the subject is 'All I see' (a singular entity), and in 'A desk and a chair are all I see,' the subject is 'A desk and a chair' (a plural entity).

Elliptical Sentences

Elliptical sentences allow for the omission of grammatically implied parts of the sentence. An elliptical sentence like 'They are both correct' is acceptable because it relies on the context to fill in the omitted part. However, in sentences with 'all,' the context might lead to ambiguity or incorrect usage.

Correct Usage: 'All I see are a desk and a chair'

The sentence 'All I see are a desk and a chair' is the correct one. This is because 'all' refers to the entirety of what the subject ('I') sees, and 'are' indicates plurality. Even if we reverse the sentence to 'A desk and a chair are all I see,' the meaning remains the same, and 'are' is correct.

Common Grammatical Confusions

Native speakers might struggle with this choice because of grammatical rules and personal preferences. For instance, Shakespeare's famous line 'All that glisters is not gold' uses 'is' to refer to the entirety of 'all that glisters.' However, the context here is often interpreted as singular due to the poetic nature of the sentence.

Expert Opinions and Examples

Fowler’s Modern English Usage (2004:41) suggests that 'the linking verb is expressed in the singular' when 'all' is the subject. This is a common rule, but it doesn't always apply due to contextual nuances.

Consider the sentence 'John is a husband and a father.' Here, 'is' is correct because 'a husband and a father' functions as a single identity. Similarly, 'All I see are a desk and a chair' is correct because the subject is 'all' (singular) and the predicate is 'are' (plural).

Reversing the Sentence to Clarify

To understand why 'All I see are a desk and a chair' is correct, we can reverse the sentence. If we say 'A desk and a chair are all I see,' it becomes clear that 'are' is the correct verb to use. The subject ('A desk and a chair') is plural, and so is the predicate.

Conclusion

Both 'is' and 'are' can be used with 'all,' depending on the context and the clarity of the sentence. In most cases, the second sentence ('All I see are a desk and a chair') is grammatically correct and clear. However, personal preference and poetic usage might lead to variations. The key is to ensure that the sentence is unambiguous and conveys the intended meaning accurately.

Key Takeaways

'All I see are a desk and a chair' is grammatically correct. 'Is' and 'are' both can be used with 'all,' but context and clarity are crucial. Reversing the sentence can help clarify the correct verb to use.

Understanding these nuances can help improve your writing and ensure that your text is clear and grammatically sound.