Have you ever been in the middle of writing a sentence and suddenly stopped to wonder whether to write all-time favorite or all times favorite? You are far from alone. This is one of the most searched grammar questions online, and the confusion is completely understandable. Both versions sound similar when spoken aloud, but only one is actually correct in written English.
Whether you are writing a blog post, a social media caption, a professional email, or a heartfelt message, getting this phrase right matters. The wrong version can make your writing look sloppy, even if the rest of your content is polished and well-crafted. The good news is that the answer is straightforward once you understand the grammar rule behind it.
In this article, you will learn exactly which form is correct between all-time favorite and all times favorite, why it is correct, how to use it in different situations, how grammar affects both American and British English usage, and what alternatives you can use when you want to express the same meaning in a fresh way. By the end, you will never second-guess yourself on this phrase again.
Why is “All-Time Favorite” the Correct Usage?
The correct phrase is all-time favorite, and the reason comes down to one of the most fundamental rules in English grammar: compound adjectives.
What Is a Compound Adjective?
A compound adjective is formed when two or more words join together to modify a noun. When these words appear before the noun they describe, English grammar requires a hyphen to connect them into a single unit of meaning. This hyphen signals to the reader that the two words should be read as one idea rather than two separate ones.
Think of everyday examples like:
- well-known author
- part-time job
- long-term plan
- high-quality product
In each of these, two words are joined by a hyphen to describe a noun. The same rule applies to all-time favorite.
Breaking Down “All-Time Favorite”
In the phrase all-time favorite, the words “all” and “time” work together as a single compound adjective that modifies the noun “favorite.” The hyphen is not decorative; it is grammatically required to show that “all” and “time” are functioning as one descriptive unit.
Here is what each version really means at a grammatical level:
| Phrase | Grammatically Correct? | Reason |
| all-time favorite | Yes | Proper compound adjective with required hyphen |
| all times favorite | No | “Times” should never be plural here; no hyphen |
| all time favorite | No | Missing the necessary hyphen between “all” and “time” |
Why “Times” Is Always Wrong
When people write “all times favorite,” they are making two mistakes at once. First, they are dropping the essential hyphen. Second, they are incorrectly pluralizing “time” to “times.” In compound adjectives, the convention in English is to use the singular form of a noun. You would not say “a two-years-old child” instead of “a two-year-old child.” Similarly, you would not say “a part-times job” instead of “a part-time job.” The same logic applies here: all-time favorite uses “time” in its singular form because it is part of a compound adjective, not a standalone noun referring to multiple occasions.
The phrase “all times favorite” would essentially imply something like “a favorite of times,” which does not make grammatical sense. It is not a recognized construction in any major variety of English, and no authoritative grammar resource supports it.
The Rule in Simple Terms
If you want to remember this quickly, think of it this way: all-time is a set phrase, almost like a single adjective on its own. It means “of all time,” “surpassing all others,” or “the greatest ever.” When you attach it to “favorite,” you are saying this is the number one choice across every era, not just right now. The hyphen locks “all” and “time” together so they work as a team. Remove the hyphen or add an “s,” and the phrase falls apart.
Read This: Is There Any vs Are There Any: Use Correctly (Updated 2026)
Using “All-Time Favorite” in Different Situations
One of the reasons all-time favorite is such a popular phrase is its versatility. It works in almost any context where you want to express a deep, enduring preference. Here are several practical situations where you can confidently use all-time favorite.
In Everyday Conversation and Social Media
People use all-time favorite casually all the time in spoken English and on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. It feels natural, enthusiastic, and personal without sounding overly formal.
Examples:
- “Just rewatched Jurassic Park. Still my all-time favorite movie.”
- “Spaghetti carbonara will always be my all-time favorite meal.”
- “The moment that song came on, I remembered it is my all-time favorite track.”
In Professional and Academic Writing
The phrase all-time favorite is also appropriate in more formal contexts, provided the tone of the content calls for a personal voice. Book reviews, film criticism, food writing, and lifestyle journalism frequently use this expression.
Examples:
- “Critics continue to rank ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ among readers’ all-time favorite novels.”
- “The survey revealed that hiking remains the all-time favorite outdoor activity for adults over 30.”
In Marketing and Product Descriptions
Brands and copywriters often use all-time favorite to convey nostalgia, loyalty, and enduring quality. It is a phrase that immediately connects with a reader’s sense of personal attachment.
Examples:
- “Our all-time favorite recipe is back by popular demand.”
- “This is the all-time favorite sneaker design that started it all.”
After the Noun (Predicate Position)
When the phrase follows the noun it describes instead of coming before it, the hyphen is typically dropped in informal usage, though many writers and style guides still prefer to keep it for consistency.
Examples:
- “This dish is my all time favorite.” (informal, acceptable after the noun)
- “This dish is my all-time favorite.” (preferred; more consistent)
All Time Favorite or All Times Favorite Grammar
Understanding the grammar behind all-time favorite gives you a solid foundation for using it correctly every time. Let us go a little deeper into why this phrase works the way it does.
The Role of the Hyphen
The hyphen in all-time favorite is what is called a “joining hyphen.” Its job is to signal that two separate words have merged into a single compound modifier. Without it, the words “all” and “time” remain grammatically separate, and the phrase becomes ambiguous or incorrect.
Consider the difference in meaning between these two phrases:
- “She is a well-known singer.” (compound adjective: “well-known” describes “singer”)
- “She is a well known singer.” (without hyphen: “well” and “known” seem unrelated)
The same principle applies to all-time favorite. The hyphen prevents confusion and follows the standard rules of English punctuation.
Why “Time” Stays Singular
In English, compound adjectives that include a noun almost always use the singular form of that noun, regardless of how many units are implied. Consider:
- a five-year plan (not “five-years plan”)
- a two-hour drive (not “two-hours drive”)
- a three-bedroom house (not “three-bedrooms house”)
The word “time” in all-time favorite follows this same pattern. It is functioning as part of a compound modifier, not as a countable noun with its own independent plural. This is precisely why “all times favorite” is always incorrect; it violates the grammar rule that governs compound adjectives in English.
Predicate vs. Attributive Position
Grammarians use two terms for where an adjective sits in a sentence:
Attributive position means the adjective comes directly before the noun. In this position, compound adjectives always need a hyphen.
- “Pizza is her all-time favorite food.”
Predicate position means the adjective comes after a linking verb like “is,” “was,” or “remains.” In this position, the hyphen is sometimes dropped, but for all-time, keeping the hyphen is still widely recommended because “all-time” has become a recognized set phrase.
- “Pizza is her all-time favorite.” (hyphen kept for clarity and consistency)
All Time Favorite or All Times Favorite Examples
Seeing the correct and incorrect versions side by side is one of the most effective ways to cement this rule in your memory. Below is a comprehensive set of examples across different categories to show you how all-time favorite is properly used, along with what each incorrect version looks like.
Correct Usage: “All-Time Favorite” Examples
Movies and Entertainment
- “The Shawshank Redemption is widely regarded as an all-time favorite film for its powerful storytelling.”
- “Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody remains many people’s all-time favorite song.”
- “Breaking Bad is his all-time favorite television series.”
Food and Drink
- “Chocolate chip cookies are her all-time favorite dessert, no matter the season.”
- “That little pizza place in Naples serves what many travelers call their all-time favorite meal.”
- “A classic cup of chai is my all-time favorite morning drink.”
Sports and Athletes
- “Michael Jordan is often called the all-time favorite basketball player by fans around the world.”
- “Serena Williams holds a special place as the all-time favorite tennis legend for many fans.”
- “The 1986 World Cup final remains his all-time favorite sporting moment.”
Books and Literature
- “Pride and Prejudice has been her all-time favorite novel since she first read it at age fourteen.”
- “The Harry Potter series is the all-time favorite book collection for millions of readers globally.”
Places and Travel
- “Kyoto, Japan is their all-time favorite travel destination for its culture and natural beauty.”
- “That tiny café in Paris remains her all-time favorite spot to write.”
Incorrect Usage: What to Avoid
| Incorrect | Correct |
| “That is my all times favorite song.” | “That is my all-time favorite song.” |
| “Pizza is her all time favorite food.” | “Pizza is her all-time favorite food.” |
| “He is the all times favorite player.” | “He is the all-time favorite player.” |
| “This is their all time favorite place.” | “This is their all-time favorite place.” |
| “Reading is my all times favorite hobby.” | “Reading is my all-time favorite hobby.” |
The pattern is consistent and clear: use all-time favorite with a hyphen and “time” in its singular form, every single time.
American vs British English: Usage of All-Time Favorite
One of the most common grammar confusions involves the differences between American English and British English. When it comes to the phrase all-time favorite, there is actually a very minor difference, and it has nothing to do with the hyphen or the word “time.”
The Only Difference: Spelling of “Favorite”
The core grammatical structure of all-time favorite is identical in both American and British English. The hyphen is required in both dialects, and “time” remains singular in both. The only difference is the spelling of the word “favorite” itself.
| Feature | American English | British English |
| Correct phrase | all-time favorite | all-time favourite |
| Hyphen required | Yes | Yes |
| “Time” singular | Yes | Yes |
| “Times” incorrect | Yes | Yes |
| Hyphen placement | Before noun | Before noun |
American English spells it favorite, while British English spells it favourite (with a “u”). Beyond that single spelling variation, the phrase works exactly the same way in both varieties.
Examples in British English
- “Biscuits and tea is my all-time favourite comfort combination.”
- “Wembley Stadium is many fans’ all-time favourite football venue.”
- “That BBC series from the nineties is still his all-time favourite show.”
Examples in American English
- “Football Sundays are my all-time favorite tradition.”
- “New York pizza is her all-time favorite food without question.”
- “That summer from childhood is still his all-time favorite memory.”
In both cases, the phrase all-time favorite (or all-time favourite) functions identically. Whether you are writing for an American audience or a British one, the hyphenated compound adjective with singular “time” is the only correct form.
Alternative Ways to Say “All-Time Favorite”
Sometimes you want to express the same idea as all-time favorite without repeating the exact phrase. Whether you are aiming for variety in your writing, trying to avoid repetition, or simply looking for a different tone, here are some strong alternatives that carry a similar meaning.
Formal Alternatives
These options work well in professional writing, academic papers, reviews, or editorial content:
- Perennial favorite — something that is consistently popular over many years without losing appeal. “Jazz remains a perennial favorite among music enthusiasts.”
- Unequivocal favorite — a choice that leaves no room for doubt. “She named that novel her unequivocal favorite of the decade.”
- Enduring classic — often used for creative works like books, films, and music. “The film has cemented its status as an enduring classic.”
- Timeless classic — emphasizes that something transcends any specific era. “Beethoven’s Ninth is a timeless classic that continues to move audiences.”
- Top-ranked choice — useful in surveys, rankings, and lists. “The Italian restaurant was the top-ranked choice among local diners.”
Casual and Conversational Alternatives
These phrases feel natural in everyday speech and informal writing:
- Number one pick — direct and enthusiastic. “Tacos are her number one pick for a Friday night meal.”
- Go-to choice — implies trust and reliability. “Coffee is his go-to choice whenever he needs to stay focused.”
- All time fav — an informal shortening, popular in social media captions. “This playlist is my all time fav for road trips.”
- Top of the list — great for expressing priority. “Rome has always been at the top of their travel list.”
- Personal favorite — a softer, more individual expression. “That quiet beach town is my personal favorite getaway.”
Synonyms That Convey Timelessness
- Legendary — implies that something has reached icon status.
- Iconic — widely recognized and celebrated across generations.
- Beloved — suggests deep emotional attachment shared by many.
- Cherished — conveys warmth and personal significance.
Each of these alternatives gives you flexibility while preserving the core meaning of all-time favorite, which is that something holds a special, enduring place above all others.
All Time Favorite or All Times Favorite Answer
If there is one thing you take away from this article, let it be this definitive answer:
The correct phrase is “all-time favorite.”
Neither “all time favorite” (missing the hyphen) nor “all times favorite” (with an incorrect plural and no hyphen) is accepted as grammatically correct in standard English. Here is a quick summary of everything covered in this guide:
Final Summary Table
| Version | Correct? | Why |
| all-time favorite | Yes | Proper compound adjective, singular “time,” correct hyphen |
| all time favorite | No | Missing required hyphen between “all” and “time” |
| all times favorite | No | Incorrect plural “times,” missing hyphen |
| all-times favorite | No | Incorrect plural “times” even with hyphen |
The Three Rules to Remember
- Always use a hyphen. The hyphen between “all” and “time” is not optional. It is required by English grammar rules for compound adjectives that appear before a noun.
- Never pluralize “time.” The word “time” in this phrase acts as part of a compound adjective, not as a standalone countable noun. It must remain singular.
- British or American, the rule is the same. Whether you write “favorite” or “favourite,” the compound adjective structure with a hyphen and singular “time” applies universally.
The phrase all-time favorite has been the accepted standard in formal and informal English for generations. It appears in major newspapers, style guides, published books, and across every reputable online platform. There is no debate among grammarians or language authorities on this point. All-time favorite is correct. All times favorite is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “all-time favorite” one word or two?
It is two words connected by a hyphen, making it a compound adjective: all-time favorite.
Do I need the hyphen in “all-time”?
Yes. The hyphen is grammatically required when “all-time” comes before a noun as a compound modifier.
Is “all times favorite” ever acceptable?
No. It is always grammatically incorrect in standard English, regardless of context or dialect.
What does “all-time favorite” mean?
It means the best or most preferred choice of all time, surpassing every other option across any period.
Can I write “all time favorite” without a hyphen?
While people do write it this way casually, it is technically incorrect. The hyphenated form is always preferred and grammatically accurate.
Is “all-time favourite” correct in British English?
Yes. “All-time favourite” (with a “u”) is the British English equivalent and is perfectly correct.
Can “all-time favorite” be used after the noun?
Yes. In predicate position (after a linking verb), the hyphen is sometimes dropped informally, but keeping it is still recommended.
What is a good synonym for “all-time favorite”?
Strong alternatives include perennial favorite, timeless classic, go-to choice, number one pick, and unequivocal favorite.
Why do people say “all times favorite” if it is wrong?
It is a common error that sounds plausible when spoken, but it does not follow English compound adjective grammar rules.
Is the phrase “all-time favorite” formal or informal?
It works in both formal and informal writing, making it one of the most versatile expressions for describing enduring preferences.
Conclusion
The answer to the question of all-time favorite or all times favorite is clear and final: all-time favorite is the only correct form. The phrase uses a hyphen to create a compound adjective, keeps “time” in its singular form, and follows well-established English grammar rules that apply equally in American and British English.
Writing all-time favorite correctly is a small detail that reflects a strong command of the English language. It shows your readers that you care about accuracy and that your content is trustworthy and professional. Whether you are describing your all-time favorite book, film, food, song, place, or person, you now have everything you need to use this phrase with total confidence.
The next time someone asks whether it is all-time favorite or all times favorite, you will know exactly what to say: it is always all-time favorite, with a hyphen, with “time” kept singular, and with no exceptions.
