All vs. Awl — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024

All encompasses everything in a group, referring to totality, while an awl is a tool used for making holes in leather or wood.

Difference Between All and Awl

Key Differences

All is a term used to denote inclusiveness or entirety, often used to describe a complete quantity or extent. Whereas, an awl is a pointed tool designed for piercing small holes in various materials, particularly leather and wood.

All can function as an adjective, pronoun, or adverb, depending on its use in a sentence, highlighting its grammatical versatility. On the other hand, an awl is strictly a noun, specifically a tool used in crafting and DIY projects.

All is used in various contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing, emphasizing a collective aspect or entirety. While, an awl is generally mentioned in contexts specific to crafts, sewing, and construction, underscoring its specialized use.

All can modify nouns, pronouns, or an entire sentence, enhancing its meaning by implying completeness or whole range. In contrast, the utility of an awl is limited to its physical use of making holes and small indentations.

All is a common word in English language, used universally in both spoken and written expressions. Whereas, an awl is a specialized term, more likely to be recognized and used by individuals involved in trades or hobbies that require its use.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective, pronoun, adverb

Noun

Meaning

Entirety, the whole quantity

Tool for making holes

Usage Context

Universal, various contexts

Crafts, sewing, construction

Function

Modify or describe completeness

Physical use in crafting

Recognition

Common in everyday language

Specialized, trade-specific

Compare with Definitions

All

Entire, complete, with no exception.

All members must attend the meeting.

Awl

A hand tool with a sharp point.

The cobbler’s awl is essential for his work.

All

The whole amount or extent of.

She spent all day reading.

Awl

Used in leatherworking.

She meticulously worked the leather with her awl.

All

Every one of, without exceptions.

All roads lead to Rome.

Awl

A tool for piercing or boring holes.

Using an awl, he prepared the wood for stitching.

All

Entirely, completely.

I agree with you all the way.

Awl

A manual tool in crafting and carpentry.

His toolkit contained an awl, which he used frequently.

All

Used to indicate a degree or extent.

The movie was all but boring.

Awl

A small pointed tool used for making holes.

He used an awl to punch holes in the belt.

All

Being or representing the entire or total number, amount, or quantity

All the windows are open. Deal all the cards.

Awl

A small pointed tool used for piercing holes, especially in leather.

All

Constituting, being, or representing the total extent or the whole

All Christendom.

Awl

A pointed tool for making holes, as in wood or leather.

All

Being the utmost possible of

Argued the case in all seriousness.

Awl

A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.

All

Every

Got into all manner of trouble.

Awl

(entomology) Any of various hesperiid butterflies.

All

Any whatsoever

Beyond all doubt.

Awl

All

(Pennsylvania) Consumed; used up; gone

The apples are all.

Awl

A pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching small holes

All

(Informal) Being more than one

Who all came to the party? See Note at y'all.

All

The whole of one's fortune, resources, or energy; everything one has

The brave defenders gave their all.

All

Wholly; completely

A room painted all white.

All

So much

I am all the better for that experience.

All

Used as an intensive

Then he got all mad and left.

All

Each; apiece

A score of five all.

All

Every individual or anything of the given class, with no exceptions (the noun or noun phrase denoting the class must be plural or uncountable).

All contestants must register at the scorer’s table.

All flesh is originally grass.

All my friends like classical music.

All

Throughout the whole of (a stated period of time; generally used with units of a day or longer).

All

Only; alone; nothing but.

He's all talk; he never puts his ideas into practice.

All

(obsolete) Any.

All

Everything.

Some gave all they had.

She knows all and sees all.

Those who think they know it all are annoying to those of us who do.

All

Everyone.

A good time was had by all.

We all enjoyed the movie.

All

The only thing(s).

All that was left was a small pile of ash.

All

Used after what, where, how and similar words, either without changing their meaning, or indicating that one expects that they cover more than one element, e.g. that "who all attended" is more than one person.}} Some dialects only allow this to follow some words and not others.

All

Wholly; entirely; completely; totally.

She was sitting all alone. It suddenly went all quiet.

All

Apiece; each.

The score was 30 all when the rain delay started.

All

(degree) So much.

Don't want to go? All the better since I lost the tickets.

All

Even; just.

All

A quotative particle, compare like.

She was all, “Whatever.”

All

(with a possessive pronoun) Everything that one is capable of.

She gave her all, and collapsed at the finish line.

All

(countable) The totality of one's possessions.

All

(obsolete) Although.

All

All gone; dead.

The butter is all.

All

The whole quantity, extent, duration, amount, quality, or degree of; the whole; the whole number of; any whatever; every; as, all the wheat; all the land; all the year; all the strength; all happiness; all abundance; loss of all power; beyond all doubt; you will see us all (or all of us).

Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

All

Any.

All

Only; alone; nothing but.

I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

All

Wholly; completely; altogether; entirely; quite; very; as, all bedewed; my friend is all for amusement.

All

Even; just. (Often a mere intensive adjunct.

All as his straying flock he fed.

A damsel lay deploringAll on a rock reclined.

All

The whole number, quantity, or amount; the entire thing; everything included or concerned; the aggregate; the whole; totality; everything or every person; as, our all is at stake.

Death, as the Psalmist saith, is certain to all.

All that thou seest is mine.

Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee,Forever.

Trust me not at all, or all in all.

All

Although; albeit.

All they were wondrous loth.

All

Quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class;

We sat up all night

Ate all the food

All men are mortal

All parties are welcome

Have some milk

Some roses were still blooming

Having some friends over

Some apples

Some paper

All

Completely given to or absorbed by;

Became all attention

All

To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');

He was wholly convinced

Entirely satisfied with the meal

It was completely different from what we expected

Was completely at fault

A totally new situation

The directions were all wrong

It was not altogether her fault

An altogether new approach

A whole new idea

Common Curiosities

What is the main function of an awl?

The main function of an awl is to make small holes in materials like leather or wood.

Is an awl used in modern crafting?

Yes, an awl is still a vital tool in modern crafting, especially in bespoke leatherwork and detailed carpentry.

Can "all" be used as a noun?

No, "all" is used as an adjective, adverb, or pronoun, but not as a noun.

Where is an awl commonly used?

An awl is commonly used in leatherworking, sewing, and carpentry.

What type of tool is an awl?

An awl is a small, pointed hand tool used for making holes or small indentations.

How is "all" typically used in speech?

"All" is used widely in both casual and formal speech to denote entirety or collective quantity.

Can "all" function as an adverb?

Yes, "all" can function as an adverb, as in "all together."

What materials can an awl work with?

An awl can work with leather, wood, and other soft materials.

How does "all" modify a sentence?

"All" can modify a noun to emphasize entirety or complete a range or act as a standalone pronoun or adverb.

Is it common to use an awl in everyday household tasks?

It is not common unless the tasks involve crafts or small repairs that require piercing holes.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Urooj Arif

Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

Co-written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.