What’s the difference between altogether and all together? These two expressions are often confused because they look similar and sometimes sound alike in fast speech. However, they serve different grammatical functions and cannot be used interchangeably.
Altogether vs. All Together
Although they appear nearly identical, altogether (one word) and all together (two words) have different meanings and uses.
These are commonly confused words, not simply homophones. The confusion comes from spelling similarity and related pronunciation patterns, not identical sound.
When to Use Altogether
- Altogether is an adverb.
- It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
- It means completely, entirely, totally, overall, or in total.
Quick replacement test:
Try replacing altogether with completely or in total. If the sentence still makes sense, one word is correct.
Altogether examples:
- I am not altogether happy about the decision.
(Not completely happy.) - I don’t altogether agree with you.
(I don’t completely agree.) - The engine coughed and spluttered, then stopped altogether.
(Stopped completely.) - The government ought to abolish the tax altogether.
(Remove it entirely.) - I don’t think a sedentary life would altogether suit me.
- Altogether, there were 18 people on the bus.
(In total.) - Altogether, he had paid out almost £5000 for the improvements.
When to Use All Together
- All together is a two-word phrase.
- It refers to people or things being in the same place or acting at the same time.
- It emphasizes unity or grouping.
The removal test:
Remove the word all. If the sentence still makes sense, then you need two words.
Example:
“They stood all together.” → “They stood together.” ✔ (Still correct)
All Together examples:
- It is difficult to get them all together under one roof.
- Let’s sing “Happy Birthday” all together now!
- Please gather the documents all together before the meeting.
- Mix the ingredients all together with a spoon.
- I was very glad to convene them all together one afternoon at Chequers.
- He placed the files all together on the desk.
- We will bring the project all together by the end of the week.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Altogether | All Together |
|---|---|
| One word | Two words |
| Adverb | Phrase |
| Means completely or in total | Means in the same place or at the same time |
| Replace with “completely” | Remove “all” and test the sentence |
Simple summary:
- Altogether = completely / entirely / in total.
- All together = everyone or everything in one group.
Remember the two quick checks:
- Replace with completely → use altogether.
- Remove “all” → sentence still works → use all together.
Last Updated on March 3, 2026
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