All-Time Favorite or All Times Favorite: Which is Correct?

Many people wonder whether to say all-time favorite or all time favorite when talking about something they love most. The correct phrase is my all-time favorite. It is used to describe a person, place, food, or thing that you like more than anything else. Using it right shows good grammar.

The phrase all-time favorite uses a hyphen because it is a compound adjective. This means it describes a noun, like a movie, book, or song. Saying all time favorite is grammatically incorrect. Knowing the right usage helps you speak and write clearly while showing your preference in a proper way.

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Why is “All-Time Favorite” the Correct Usage?

The phrase all-time favorite is correct because it is a compound adjective. Using a hyphen connects the words all and time to describe a noun clearly. This rule ensures your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand.

English grammar prefers singular forms in compound adjectives like all-time favourites. Saying all time favorite is incorrect. Using the proper form helps readers quickly know your favorite thing without confusion, whether it’s a movie, food, or song.

Always use an all-time favorite in sentences. This grammar rule makes your writing clear and correct, showing your favorite choice confidently in speech or text.

Using “all-time favorite” in Different Situations

Here are five ways to correctly use all-time favorite in everyday life:

Movies: Her all-time favorite movie is The Godfather because she loves its storytelling and characters.
Books: To Kill a Mockingbird is his all-time favorite book, and he often recommends it to friends.
Songs: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody remains his all-time favorite song, played on repeat for its timeless appeal.
Holidays: Thanksgiving is her all-time favorite holiday, as she enjoys family gatherings and traditions every year.
Food: They call pizza their all-time favorite food because it’s versatile and always satisfying.

On the other hand, here are some examples of using all times favorite, which is not grammatically correct:

Athletes: Incorrect: Michael Jordan is my all time favorite athlete, which sounds wrong in English grammar.
Cities: Incorrect: She says Paris is her all time favorite city, but this form is improper.
TV Shows: Incorrect: They claim Friends is their all time favorite TV show, which should be all-time favorite instead.

American vs British English: Usage of All Time Favorite

In American English, the word is spelled favorite, while in British English, it becomes favourite. Despite spelling differences, all-time favorite always refers to the thing you love most, like a book, song, or movie.

This distinction is similar to color vs colour or honor vs honour. Using the correct version for your audience ensures your writing is clear and professional, and your all-time favorite choices are easily understood.

Whether you write all-time favorite or all-time favourite, the meaning stays the same. Using the right spelling helps readers understand your favorite things clearly and confidently.

Alternative Ways to Say “All Time Favorite”

If you want to avoid repeating an all-time favorite, there are many other phrases that express the same idea. These alternatives help you sound natural, show your preference clearly, and make your writing or speech more engaging and lively.

Here is a list of alternatives:

Number One Pick – your top choice
Top of the List – most preferred item
Go-To Choice – reliable favorite
Favorite of All – clearly the most loved
Perennial Favorite – loved over time
Unequivocal Favorite – no doubt it’s the favorite
Classic Choice – timeless and widely appreciated

Using alternatives like number one pick or top of the list makes your writing more interesting. These phrases help you clearly share your favorite thing without repeating the same words constantly.

The phrase go-to choice works well in casual conversations or social media posts. It emphasizes your preference and shows readers what you trust or enjoy most, keeping your tone friendly and relatable.

Words like perennial favorite and classic choice suggest that something is timeless or always loved. Using them makes your description strong and confident, whether you talk about a movie, food, or activity.

Alternatives such as unequivocal favorite or favorite of all make your sentences clear and precise. They help readers instantly understand your top choice and express your preferences naturally in writing or speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all-time favorite is the correct phrase to describe the thing you love most. Using it properly, instead of an all time favorite, shows clear grammar knowledge and improves your writing. You can also use alternatives like number one pick, top of the list, or perennial favorite to make your language more natural. Additionally, remembering the American vs British English spelling favorite or favourite helps you communicate effectively with different audiences. Overall, using an all-time favorite and its variations correctly lets you express your preferences confidently, clearly, and in a friendly, relatable way.

FAQs

What does “all-time favorite” mean?

All-time favorite means the thing you love most, like a movie, book, or food. It shows your top choice clearly and expresses preference confidently.

Is “all times favorite” correct?

No, all times favorite is grammatically incorrect. Always use an all-time favorite to describe your favorite person, thing, or activity properly in writing and speech.