Introduction
Have you ever paused while writing a sentence and wondered whether it should be altogether or all together? You’re not alone. This pair confuses many writers because the words look almost identical, sound very similar, and often appear in related contexts.
But here’s the important truth: altogether and all together are not interchangeable.
Although they sound similar, they serve completely different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down altogether vs all together in clear, simple, and conversational English. You’ll learn exactly what each one means, how to use them correctly, common mistakes to avoid, real-life dialogue examples, and easy memory tricks so you’ll never mix them up again.
What Is Altogether?
Let’s start with altogether (written as one word).
Meaning of Altogether
Altogether is an adverb.
It means:
- Completely
- Entirely
- On the whole
- Overall
It often describes the degree or extent of something.
How altogether is used
You use altogether when you want to express a total effect, overall impression, or complete change.
Examples:
- The plan was altogether unrealistic.
- I’m altogether convinced this will work.
- It was an altogether different experience.
- The event was altogether successful.
Key features of altogether
- One word
- Acts as an adverb
- Means completely or overall
- Cannot be separated into “all” + “together”
✅ Key rule:
If you can replace the word with “completely” or “entirely,” use altogether.
What Is All Together?
Now let’s look at all together (written as two words).
Meaning of All Together
All together means:
- Everyone or everything in one place
- At the same time
- Acting as a group
Here, all modifies together, and both words keep their individual meanings.
How all together is used
You use all together when talking about physical closeness, timing, or grouping.
Examples:
- The students sat all together in the hall.
- Let’s sing all together.
- We were all together for the photo.
- Put the files all together in one folder.
Key features of all together
- Two separate words
- Refers to grouping or unity
- Often describes people or objects
- Can usually be split or emphasized
✅ Key rule:
If you’re talking about things being in the same place or acting as a group, use all together.
Key Differences Between Altogether and All Together
Here’s a simple comparison to make it crystal clear:
| Feature | Altogether | All Together |
|---|---|---|
| Word form | One word | Two words |
| Part of speech | Adverb | Phrase |
| Meaning | Completely / overall | In a group |
| Can mean “completely”? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Refers to grouping? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Example | Altogether wrong | Sit all together |
🎯 Quick takeaway:
- Altogether = completely / overall
- All together = everyone or everything in one place
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Let’s see how people commonly confuse and correct these two terms.
🗣️ Dialogue 1: Office Meeting
Employee: The proposal is all together unacceptable.
Manager: You mean altogether unacceptable.
Employee: Right—thanks!
🎯 Lesson: If it means completely, use altogether.
🗣️ Dialogue 2: School Event
Teacher: Please stand altogether for the photo.
Student: Don’t you mean all together?
Teacher: Yes—good catch!
🎯 Lesson: Group actions use all together.
🗣️ Dialogue 3: Casual Chat
Friend: Was the trip good?
You: Yes, it was altogether amazing.
Friend: Sounds great!
🎯 Lesson: Overall impressions use altogether.
🗣️ Dialogue 4: Family Dinner
Parent: Let’s eat all together tonight.
Child: Like a family dinner?
Parent: Exactly!
🎯 Lesson: Togetherness = all together.
When to Use Altogether vs All Together
✅ Use altogether when:
- You mean completely or entirely
- You’re giving an overall opinion
- The word can be replaced with totally
Examples:
- Altogether impossible
- Altogether different
- Altogether satisfied
✅ Use all together when:
- People or things are in one place
- Actions happen at the same time
- You’re describing a group
Examples:
- All together now!
- Sitting all together
- Living all together
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Writing all together when you mean completely
✔️ Use altogether
❌ Writing altogether when describing people grouping
✔️ Use all together
❌ Mixing both forms in the same sentence incorrectly
✔️ Check meaning carefully
❌ Assuming spelling doesn’t matter
✔️ Meaning changes with spacing
Fun Fact & Easy Memory Tricks
🧠 Memory Trick #1
- Altogether = All in one word, meaning all in one idea
🧠 Memory Trick #2
- All together = All + together → people or things physically together
📜 Fun Fact
Many English word pairs change meaning based on spacing, such as anytime / any time and already / all ready. Altogether vs all together is one of the most common and trickiest.
Conclusion
The difference between altogether or all together comes down to meaning, not spelling style. Altogether means completely or overall, while all together refers to people or things being in the same place or acting as a group.
Once you remember that spacing changes meaning, choosing the right form becomes easy.
Next time someone writes altogether or all together, you’ll know exactly what they mean—and which one to use! ✅
