“Altogether” and “all together” look almost identical when read quickly, but splitting them into one word versus two changes the meaning entirely.
The Short Answer
Altogether (one word) is an adverb meaning “completely” or “in total.” All together (two words) means everyone or everything grouped in one place at the same time.
Examples of “Altogether”
- The plan was altogether different from what we expected.
- She stopped using social media altogether.
- Altogether, the trip cost about $2,000.
- His explanation was altogether unconvincing.
Examples of “All Together”
- Let’s sing the chorus all together.
- The family gathered all together for the holidays.
- We put the ingredients all together in one bowl.
- They arrived all together in one car.
The Separation Test
Try splitting the phrase and inserting other words between “all” and “together”: “we are all going to be together” still makes sense, so “all together” is correct. If splitting the phrase breaks the sentence’s meaning, “altogether” (one word) is the right choice.
Why This Pair Is Easy to Miss
Because “altogether” and “all together” sound identical when spoken, the only clue in writing is the spacing — and spell-check often won’t catch the error, since both forms are valid words in their own right. This makes the mistake one of the sneakier ones to catch during proofreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which form means “completely”?
A: “Altogether,” written as one word, means “completely” or “in total.”
Which form means “everyone in one place”?
A: “All together,” written as two words, describes people or things grouped in the same place at once.
How can I quickly check which one to use?
A: Try inserting a word between “all” and “together” — if the sentence still makes sense, use the two-word form.
