What does “All along” mean?
"All along" means from the beginning.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I knew the truth all along.
Example
She had been planning the surprise all along.
Example
He had been hiding his true intentions all along
Is “All along” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All along” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All along” effectively in context?
You can use "All along" to express that something was known or planned from the beginning. It implies that there was no surprise or change in the situation. For example, if someone accuses you of not knowing something, you might say, 'I knew the truth "all along".'
- 1Relationships
She had been planning the surprise party all along.
- 2Detective Work
He had been hiding his true intentions all along.
- 3Personal Knowledge
I knew the answer to the riddle all along.
Similar phrases to “All along”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All along” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All along" is unknown.
Is “All along” common in everyday conversation?
"All along" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to indicate that someone knew or planned something from the beginning.
What tone does “All along” have?
"All along" conveys a tone of certainty and sometimes a hint of satisfaction. It is often used to assert one's knowledge or awareness of a situation.
Can “All along” be used in informal and formal settings?
"All along" is a versatile expression that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is suitable for everyday conversations as well as professional situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
"All along" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I suspected it "all along".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I knew it "all along"!' to express certainty or vindication.