How to use "by all accounts"

What Does "by all accounts" Mean?

• It expresses approximation and indicates something is true based on general opinion or hearsay, rather than direct evidence.
• It typically modifies the entire clause that follows, providing a general assessment of a situation.
• Register: neutral to slightly formal

How to Use It

• Typical sentence position: initial, but can occasionally appear mid-sentence, set off by commas; the initial position is the most natural.
• It modifies the entire clause, indicating that the statement is supported by general consensus or reports.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted. It's not typically used with negation or in questions directly but can be used in sentences that contain them.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it to introduce a statement that is clearly based on personal observation or direct evidence sounds unnatural. Avoid using it when precise, verifiable data is required.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from by all accounts on Ludwig.guru.

"By all accounts, I.V.F. is tough." — The New York Times

"Mr. Cuomo, by all accounts, was devastated." — The New York Times

"By all accounts, he thrived there." — The New York Times

"Which, by all accounts, is extremely healthy." — Independent

"By all accounts, the meeting went well." — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/by+all+accounts

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
reportedly	Indicates information from reports, but can also suggest a lack of certainty.
it is said	Implies that the information is widely circulated but not necessarily verified.
from what I hear	More informal and personal, suggesting the speaker has heard it from others.
so the story goes	Suggests a narrative or anecdotal element to the information.
seemingly	Highlights the appearance or impression of something, rather than concrete fact.
apparently	Suggests the speaker has received the information indirectly, often with a hint of skepticism.
ostensibly	Indicates a stated or apparent reason, which may not be the actual reason.

Common Mistakes

• Using "by all accounts" when you have firsthand knowledge or objective evidence contradicts its purpose of relaying secondhand information.
• Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less authoritative.
• A common mistake is using it in a context where objective evidence is needed, rather than relying on general opinion or hearsay.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
By all accounts	Indicates a statement is based on general consensus or reports	Neutral to slightly formal	Initial

FAQs

Where does "by all accounts" typically appear in a sentence?

By all accounts most commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence. It can occasionally appear mid-sentence, set off by commas, but the initial position is the most natural and common usage.

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How does "by all accounts" differ from "reportedly"?

Both "by all accounts" and "reportedly" indicate that information is coming from an indirect source, but "by all accounts" suggests a broader consensus or general opinion. "Reportedly" often emphasizes the source being a specific report or news outlet, and can imply a degree of skepticism.

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Is it incorrect to use "by all accounts" when you have direct evidence?

Yes, it is generally considered incorrect. "By all accounts" is used to convey information derived from general opinion, hearsay, or indirect sources. If you possess direct evidence, it's better to state the facts directly or use phrases that indicate your firsthand knowledge, rather than relying on "by all accounts."