“All” versus “all of”
I’m a little obsessive about proper usage, but there are plenty of holes in my knowledge of writing style. Thus, when I saw “all our funds,” it drove me to the internet to see if that should read “all of our funds.” My first observation: this seems to be a question mainly for English language learners. There don’t appear to be many established grammar or style gurus writing online about this topic.
Use “all of” only with pronouns, says Grammar Monster
Grammar Monster says to use “all” before any noun except a pronoun. For example, “all of us,” but “all the cheese.” In a sidebar, it says that “all of” is an indefinite pronoun, but “all” is an “indefinite adjective.” How’s that for a bit of grammar trivia?
Garner’s agrees
Although I follow Grammar Monster on Twitter, the site isn’t one of my regular go-to resources. So, I delved into my trusty Garner’s Modern American Usage. Garner says that “all” is more formal than “all of.” He says one should use “all of” only before a pronoun—agreeing with Grammar Monster—or when a possessive noun follows, as in “Beyond all of Jones’ ego-stroking maneuvers.”
That’s all for now on my latest research.
This is my first time on your blog. I’m glad I stumbled upon your site since I’m constantly trying to improve my financial writing (studying for the 3rd and final CFA exam right now). When writing, I always try to read my copy out loud… and including “of” sounds more natural in your first example. Although, I can see it going either way depending on context.
Brian,
Thank you for visiting! I’m also a big believer in reading out loud.
Good luck with Level III!
Nice Article. Keep up the good work.