Meaning & use
all ways
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
every possible method, manner, or direction
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often followed by 'of' + verb-ing or a clause. It is not the same as the adverb 'always'.
Patterns
- in all ways
- all ways of doing something
- try all ways
She tried all ways to solve the puzzle but none worked.
In all ways, he has been a supportive friend.
We need to consider all ways of reducing costs.
phrasefixed phrase
in every direction or from every side
Grammar: Often used with verbs of looking or moving: 'look all ways', 'go all ways'.
Patterns
- look all ways
- go all ways
Look all ways before crossing the street.
The roads spread all ways from the town center.
Common combinations
- in all ways
- She is a good teacher in all ways.
- all ways of doing something
- They explored all ways of fixing the problem.
- try all ways
- He tried all ways to open the door.
Synonyms and how they differ
- every way
- Every way is more common and natural in modern English; all ways sounds a bit more formal or old-fashioned.
- all methods
- All methods is more specific and formal, used in technical contexts; all ways is broader and more general.
Commonly confused: all ways or always?
all ways vs always
Always is an adverb meaning 'every time' or 'all the time' (e.g., 'She always arrives early'). All ways is a phrase meaning 'every method or direction'. They sound the same but are different in meaning and spelling.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'all ways' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'All ways' means 'every method', so it fits in 'She tried all ways to fix the computer.' The other sentences need the adverb 'always' (meaning 'every time'), which is one word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “all ways”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.