All together vs altogether are commonly confused English words that sound identical when spoken but have entirely different meanings and grammatical functions in a sentence.
What is the Difference Between All Together and Altogether?
Although they sound the same, mastering the difference between all together and altogether is essential for clear, professional writing. Understanding similar confusing terms helps improve your overall sentence structure.
- All together (two words) means everyone or everything gathered in one place or acting as a single group.
- Altogether (one word) is an adverb meaning completely, entirely, or on the whole.
What is "All Together"? (Definition and Examples)
The phrase all together consists of two separate words. You can easily test this by inserting the word "each" or "every" between "all" and "together," or by substituting it with "everyone in a group."
- They were all together to discuss the matter.
- We put the puzzle pieces all together on the table.
- The children sang the song all together.
What is "Altogether"? (Definition and Examples)
The single word altogether is an adverb used to emphasize a statement or to mean "completely," "totally," or "in total."
- This is an altogether different matter.
- The restaurant bill came to 50 dollars altogether.
- Her story was altogether false.
Comparison Table: All Together vs Altogether
| Word / Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| All together | Adjective phrase | In a group, gathered in one place | The guests were all together in the hall. |
| Altogether | Adverb | Completely, totally, entirely | The plan failed altogether. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never use altogether when you mean a group of people or objects gathered in one place. Conversely, do not use all together when you want to express a total amount or complete degree.
Key Takeaways
- All together (two words) refers to a group acting in unison or gathered in one place.
- Altogether (one word) means completely or thoroughly.
- Always double-check your sentence context before choosing between the two.
Quick Practice
Test your English grammar skills by filling in the blanks. Write your answers in the comments below:
- The family was ______ for the holiday dinner.
- His explanation made ______ no sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can "altogether" mean "in total"?
Yes, altogether can mean "in sum" or "total amount," as in, "Altogether, we spent one hundred dollars."
Is "all together" ever written as one word?
No, all together is always written as two separate words when referring to a group.