Reducing a complex situation to a single essential

To emphasise a simple solution or core requirement

Giving simple advice, summarising, ending discussion

Conversation, conclusion, informal guidance

All (that) is

All (that) is

The subject can be any noun phrase; the main verb after 'is' is in the base form (bare infinitive) or a noun phrase; no 'to' infinitive is used after 'is'.

• All I want is
• All you need is
• All he did is
• All that matters is

• The only thing … is … (used when emphasizing necessity)

Using the to-infinitive after 'be': *All I did was to wait* → correct is *All I did was wait*; using incorrect tense: *All I want is went* → correct is *All I want is to go* or *All I want is going*.

What ... does is ... (pseudo-cleft constructions that highlight core actions)

Learners whose first language requires an infinitive marker after 'be' (e.g., Spanish, French, Portuguese) often incorrectly add 'to' after 'is', producing ungrammatical forms like *All I need is to succeed* — the correct form is *All I need is success* or *All I need is to succeed* only if 'to succeed' is the subject complement in a different structure.

• all-cleft frames

The phrase conveys simplicity and dismissal of extraneous details, often used rhetorically or in persuasive speech to assert that only one element truly matters.

Reduces argumentative discourse to its essence; can signal the speaker’s intention to conclude or shift focus away from peripheral issues.

All you need is …

All (that) is a semi-fixed formula that highlights a core element while de-emphasizing other details. It is commonly used in advice, summarization, and conclusion to simplify complex ideas.

All it takes to succeed is a bit of persistence.