all of the day / all the day.
Hi gurus!
Could you please tell me, which one is correct (and idiomatic):
1. I usually play all of the day.
2. I usually play all the day.

I never met [1], but today I found this expression in one textbook and, frankly speaking, I have a strong feeling it's not OK.

Thanks!

Question

all of the day / all the day.
Hi gurus!
Could you please tell me, which one is correct (and idiomatic):
1. I usually play all of the day.
2. I usually play all the day.

I never met [1], but today I found this expression in one textbook and, frankly speaking, I have a strong feeling it's not OK.

Thanks!

Answer

The most usual expression is simply "all day", or, "the whole day".  You could add "long", for emphasis - all day long. I can't see anything wrong with "all of the day". You can say "some of the day", so there is no logical reason why you couldn't say "all of the day." It may not be commonly used but it isn't incorrect.  However the second sentence is incorrect. You might find some literature where it says "all the day long", but just "all the day" is incorrect in my view.

Answer

I think 1 could be ok with the right context and 2 would be a stretch but not impossible. But a third option "I usually play all day" would probably fit more circumstances than either of the other two in AmE.

Answer

Good morning,

'I usually play all day'

Answers · 6

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!