The two spellings coexist in reference dictionaries and grammars. The phrase “en tout point” or “en tous points” is not a spelling error, but a grammatical distinction related to the nature of “tout” in the sentence. We recommend deciding based on the syntactic mechanism, not a learned reflex.
Singular or plural: the syntactic test that decides
The difficulty boils down to a single question: “is ‘tout’ an adverb or an indefinite adjective?” In “en tout point,” “tout” functions as an adverb, synonymous with “totally” or “perfectly.” It remains invariable, just like in “tout entier” or “tout simplement.”
In “en tous points,” “tout” takes on its role as an indefinite adjective. It means “each” or “the entirety of” and agrees with the noun “points” in the plural. The meaning then shifts towards an implicit enumeration: several aspects, several criteria, several dimensions of the same subject are being referred to.
To clarify the usage of en tout point and en tous points, we apply a simple test: replace “tout” with “totally.” If the sentence retains its meaning, the singular is appropriate. If you think more in terms of “on each aspect,” the plural is necessary.
- “This product is in every way compliant with the specifications” – here, “totally compliant” works, the singular is correct.
- “The two versions differ in every respect” – here, we are comparing several distinct characteristics, the plural is justified.
- “His analysis is in every way remarkable” – the overall meaning (“perfectly remarkable”) calls for the singular.
French Academy and fixed expressions: why both forms are accepted
The French Academy considers that, for many fixed expressions, the choice between singular and plural depends on the abstract value of the noun rather than a strict quantitative logic. The pair “en tout point / en tous points” functions exactly like “en tout cas / en tous cas” or “en tout lieu / en tous lieux.”
This institutional position changes the perspective. We are not faced with a binary rule of right/wrong, but with two accepted variants, each carrying a nuance. The singular emphasizes the undifferentiated totality. The plural highlights the diversity of the elements considered.
French language dictionaries reflect this coexistence. Le Petit Robert records both forms. The TLFi documents old attestations in both singular and plural. No reference work classifies either of the two forms as incorrect.
Rule of consistency in a professional text
Accepting that both spellings are correct does not exempt one from making a choice. In a long document (report, thesis, contract), we recommend fixing on one form and sticking to it. Alternating “en tout point” and “en tous points” in the same text gives an impression of hesitation that undermines writing credibility.
The selection criterion depends on the register. In a legal or technical context where compliance criteria are listed, the plural “en tous points” seems more natural: it implies a point-by-point verification. In a literary or overall evaluative register, the singular “en tout point” better conveys the idea of an overall judgment.
Applying consistency to similar expressions
The same reasoning applies to expressions constructed on the same pattern. If you write “en tous points” in the plural, maintain this logic for “en tous cas” and “en tous lieux” in the same document. Internal consistency takes precedence over the initial choice.
Common confusions with “tout” in French
The phrase “en tout point” belongs to a family of constructions where “tout” changes grammatical category depending on the context. Three cases deserve to be clearly distinguished.
“Tout” as an adverb before an adjective remains invariable in the masculine: “ils sont tout contents.” In the feminine before a consonant or aspirated h, it agrees for euphony: “elles sont toutes contentes.” This phonetic agreement rule has nothing to do with meaning, making it tricky.
“Tout” as an indefinite adjective always agrees: “tous les points,” “toutes les remarques.” Confusion arises when the noun that follows is singular and “tout” could be read as either an adverb or an adjective. This is precisely the case with “en tout point.”
- “Tout” as an adverb: invariable, meaning “totally” – “en tout point identique.”
- “Tout” as an indefinite adjective in the singular: meaning “each” – “en tout point du territoire” (each geographical point).
- “Tout” as an indefinite adjective in the plural: meaning “the entirety of” – “en tous points conformes aux attentes.”
Evolution of the French language and simplification of expressions
Linguists observe a general trend towards simplifying fixed structures, particularly in spoken language and quick writings. This dynamic often favors the form perceived as the most common. For “en tout point / en tous points,” the plural dominates in contemporary corpora, probably because the logic of “multiple points” is more immediately transparent to the speaker.
This trend does not render the singular obsolete. It simply explains why “en tous points” seems more familiar to the majority of current writers.
The choice between singular and plural remains a matter of stylistic precision, not grammatical correctness. Establish your rule, document it if necessary in a writing charter, and then apply it without hesitation: this is the only reliable method to avoid revisiting this question at each proofreading.