All — in plain language

Plain language

every single one; the complete amount or number of something

• every
• the complete
• the entire
• each and every

What to watch for

• Non-lawyers often skip over 'all' as just a filler word, but in legal documents it emphasizes completeness and leaves no exceptions. A plain-language version should preserve this sense of totality.
• The phrase 'any and all' is a legal intensifier meaning 'every single one without exception.' Translating it as just 'any' or 'some' loses the comprehensive scope.
• When 'all' appears with 'claims,' 'damages,' or 'expenses,' it means the complete set — past, present, and future. Omitting this temporal scope misleads the reader about what is covered.
• In legal drafting, 'all' often appears in definitions to make them as broad as possible. A plain-language translation should not narrow the scope by implying limitations that aren't there.

Why This Term Matters in Legal Documents. While "all" seems simple, legal drafters use it deliberately to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. When a contract says "all claims," it means every possible claim, not just some of them. This is why the plain-language version needs to preserve the sense of completeness.

What to Watch For.

• "Any and all" constructions: This is a legal intensifier that means "every single one without exception." The plain-language version should reflect this comprehensive scope.
• Temporal scope: When "all" appears with claims, damages, or expenses, it typically means past, present, and future. Make sure the translation doesn't accidentally limit this.
• Definitions: In legal definitions, "all" is often used to make terms as broad as possible. Don't narrow the scope in translation.

Common Misunderstandings by Non-Lawyers.

• "'All' just means 'some' in legal talk." (No — it means the complete set, with no exceptions.)
• "If they meant everything, they would say 'everything.'" (In legal drafting, "all" is the standard way to express totality.)
• "I don't have to worry about old stuff if it says 'all claims.'" (Actually, 'all' typically includes past, present, and future claims.)

Legal definition

Every single one; the complete amount or number of something. In legal documents, "all" is used to emphasize that nothing is left out or excluded. It tells you that whatever follows includes everything in that category, with no exceptions.

Examples

Where you'll see it

• contracts and agreements
• pleadings and motions
• statutes and regulations
• insurance policies
• court orders

Related terms

• any and all
• each and every
• the entirety
• totality

Word details

Pronunciation

awl

Part of speech

adjective

Origin

Old English — the whole, entire amount or number

Domains

contract law, civil procedure, torts, real property, corporate law

Frequency

very common

Formality

low