The idiom “all at once“ is used in two main contexts: to describe something happening suddenly or to refer to multiple things happening at the same time. This versatile phrase is common in both everyday conversations and storytelling, helping to convey either surprise or the overwhelming nature of simultaneous actions.
Meaning of “All at once”
- Suddenly: “All at once” refers to something that happens unexpectedly, without any prior warning. It emphasizes the suddenness of an event.
- Simultaneously: It also means that several things are happening at the same time, often leading to confusion or difficulty in managing everything at once.
Examples of “All at once” in sentences
All at once, the chair broke, and Bob fell to the floor. (Suddenly)
The entire group spoke all at once, making it hard to hear anyone clearly. (Simultaneously)
All at once, she tripped on a stone and dropped her bag. (Suddenly)
They were trying to cook dinner, clean the house, and paint the closet all at once. (Simultaneously)
When to use “All at once”
- Use “all at once“ to describe situations where something happens suddenly, catching people off guard.
- It can also be applied to scenarios where multiple activities are happening at the same time, often leading to a sense of chaos or busyness.
Equivalent expressions
Here are some similar phrases to “all at once“:
- Out of the blue: To describe something happening unexpectedly.
- All of a sudden: A synonym for something happening suddenly.
- At the same time: An alternative to describe simultaneous actions.
- In one go: A phrase used to indicate doing something all at once, without stopping.
Conclusion
The idiom “all at once“ is a simple yet effective way to express sudden occurrences or multiple actions happening simultaneously. Whether describing a surprise event or a hectic situation, it’s a useful phrase to make your communication more dynamic.
