The two spellings have coexisted in French texts for over a century, and reference dictionaries accept both. So, between “en tout point” in the singular and “en tous points” in the plural, which should you prefer in your writings? The answer depends less on a definitive rule than on a precise grammatical analysis of the word “tout” in each construction.
Singular or plural: what Le Robert and the Académie française say
The Dictionnaire de l’Académie française (9th edition, continuously updated) gives “en tout point” in the singular as an adverbial phrase meaning “entirely, completely.” The examples provided exclusively illustrate this form, making it the most canonical spelling in contemporary academic norms.
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Le Robert online, on the other hand, treats “en tout point” and “en tous points” as two fixed phrases synonymous with “completely, totally,” without marking a preference for register or correctness between the two. However, Le Robert notes that the singular form appears more often in literary quotes.
The difference between en tout point and en tous points thus lies in a grammatical nuance, not a mistake. Both forms are correct.
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| Criterion | En tout point (singular) | En tous points (plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Function of “tout” | Adverb (= entirely) | Indefinite adjective (= each point) |
| Meaning | Completely, totally | On each of the aspects |
| Académie française (9th ed.) | Form used in examples | Not illustrated, but not condemned |
| Le Robert online | Accepted | Accepted |
| Tendency in recent press | Dominant form since the 2010s | Less frequent than in the 19th century |
| Register | Common to formal | Common |
Grammar of the word “tout”: adverb or indefinite adjective
The confusion arises from the dual grammatical status of “tout.” In “en tout point,” “tout” functions as an adverb, synonymous with “totally.” It remains invariable, and “point” stays in the singular because it is not actually countable in this construction.
In “en tous points,” “tout” takes on its role as an indefinite adjective. It then means “each” or “the entirety of.” The plural logically applies to “points,” as it is considered that there are several distinct points on which the comparison or judgment is based.
This distinction explains why the TLFi (Trésor de la langue française informatisé) lists both forms side by side, noting that usage hesitates between singular and plural for several phrases constructed with “tout.”
Other phrases that pose the same problem
The phenomenon is not isolated. Several French expressions hesitate between singular and plural with “tout”:
- “À toute bride” or “à toutes brides”: both are attested, but the singular predominates today.
- “De toute part” or “de toutes parts”: the plural remains more common in this specific case, as multiple directions are imagined.
- “En tout cas” never varies in the plural, proving that each phrase has its own fixed logic.
Observing these parallels helps to understand that French does not apply a single mechanical rule. Each phrase has its own history and degree of fixation.
Evolution of usage: the press favors the singular
Corpora of Francophone press show, since the early 2010s, a clear dominance of the singular form “en tout point” over “en tous points.” The two coexisted much more evenly in literary texts of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
This trend can be explained by the gradual simplification of adverbial phrases in journalistic and professional writing. The singular, being more compact, has become the default form in newsrooms.
On the other hand, “en tous points” persists in contexts where the author wants to emphasize the multiplicity of comparison criteria. A sentence like “these two models are similar in all respects” implies that each characteristic has been checked one by one.
What impact for everyday spelling
No professional proofreader will mark either form as incorrect. Automatic correction tools accept both. The only situation that could pose a problem would be a competition or exam requiring strict academic standards: in this case, the singular is the safest choice.
Choosing between the two forms according to writing context
The singular is suitable for the majority of situations: professional correspondence, press articles, administrative documents. It aligns with the implicit recommendation of the Académie and corresponds to the dominant usage.
The plural remains relevant when the sentence highlights a list or a detailed comparison. Three typical cases justify “en tous points”:
- Technical comparison between two objects: “This prototype meets the specifications in all respects” (each specification has been checked).
- Judgment based on listed criteria: “Their argumentation aligns with ours in all respects” (point by point).
- Assumed literary or rhetorical use, where the plural adds emphasis on the completeness of the statement.
When in doubt, opting for the singular will never be a mistake. It is the most neutral and widely accepted form in contemporary French.
The real trap of this expression does not lie in the choice between singular or plural, but in the consistency within the same text. Alternating “en tout point” and “en tous points” from one paragraph to another gives an impression of hesitation. Choosing one spelling and sticking to it throughout the document remains the best writing practice.