Altogether vs. All Together – Which is Correct?

Understanding the difference between “altogether” and “all together” can greatly enhance your writing and communication skills. Both terms are commonly misused, yet they have distinct meanings. “Altogether” refers to an overall total or something done completely, while “all together” denotes a group of people or things being in one place simultaneously.

Altogether or All Together – Which is Correct?

Both “altogether” and “all together” are correct, but they are used in different contexts. “Altogether” is an adverb that means entirely or completely, whereas “all together” is a phrase that describes a group of individuals or items being combined in one location or singularly.

Word	When to Use	Example
Altogether	Used when referring to something entirely or completely.	Altogether, the project was a success.
All Together	Used when referring to a group of people or things being in one place.	We gathered all together for the meeting.

How to Use Altogether

“Altogether” should be used when you want to express that something is complete or to refer to the overall total. Avoid using it in situations where you are discussing a collective gathering.

Example 1: The event was altogther enjoyable and well-organized.

Example 2: He exercised every day, altogether losing twenty pounds.

Example 3: Altogether, we decided it was the best option.

What are the different forms of Altogether?

“Altogether” is primarily used as an adverb, and it does not have various forms in terms of tense or other grammatical changes.

Etymology of the word Altogether

The word “altogether” comes from Middle English, combining “all” and “together,” which literally means “all in one place.”

How to Use All Together

“All together” is used to express that individuals or objects are in the same location or gathering at the same time. Ensure that you use it when referring to a collective or group situation.

Example 1: The team arrived all together for the presentation.

Example 2: Let’s take a picture of everyone all together.

Example 3: The toys were all together in the box.

What are the different forms of All Together?

“All together” functions as a phrase and does not have different forms. It remains the same regardless of the tense or use in a sentence.

Etymology of the word All Together

“All together” is derived from the phrase “all together,” emphasizing unity or gathering in one place.

Practice Exercises

1. We decided to stay __________ for the holidays.
2. Altogether, it was a memorable experience.
3. The students were __________ in the auditorium.
4. She was __________ delighted with the outcome.
5. They finished the project __________.

Answer Key

1. all together
2. altogether
3. all together
4. altogether
5. altogether

Altogether Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Completely	To the fullest extent; totally.
Entirely	To the whole extent; completely.

All Together Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Gathered	Brought together in one place.
Collectively	As a group; together.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the difference between “altogether” and “all together” will help improve your writing clarity. Remember that “altogether” refers to completeness while “all together” refers to a group gathered in one place.