“Altogether” vs. “all together”
Are altogether and all together the same word? If not, what’s the difference between them?
His story seemed altogether too far-fetched to be true.
Let’s get everyone all together for a family picture.
Though both words sound alike and are spelled similarly, they have different meanings and are not interchangeable with each other—make sure not to confuse them in writing!
When to use ‘altogether’ vs. ‘all together’
Word Form
Examples
altogether
How much is that altogether?
all together
Mix the ingredients all together with a spoon.
| Word Form | Examples |
|---|---|
| altogether | How much is that altogether? |
| all together | Mix the ingredients all together with a spoon. |
There are many “all” phrases in English; “all together” being an example. Others are all along, all right or alright.
Altogether is an adverb. Sometimes altogether can be used as a transition word in sentences. In this way, it’s similar to ‘all things considered,’ or ‘all in all.’ For example, ‘Altogether, the argument does not stand in the end.’
Altogether and all together, in sentences
| Words | Sentence examples |
|---|---|
| altogether |
He had married several times and had six children altogether. Altogether, I’m glad it’s over. I’m not altogether sure that I’d trust him. |
| all together |
Let’s sing ‘Happy Birthday’—all together now! Organize your books so that they’re all together for school. The wedding guests were gathered all together in the garden. |
Similar words
| Word | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| all together | all at once, contemporaneously, jointly, simultaneously, synchronously, unitedly |
| altogether | on the whole, all things considered, en masse, generally, by and large, in all, in sum, everything included, collectively, for the most part |
Think of the space in “all together” (two words) as the space between individuals or items that are in a group. “Altogether” (one word) has no space, meaning it’s a single concept: completely.
Other compound words
Many extremely common words that people use as compound words are often either single words, or could be a compound word (depending on the context in which it’s used.) Take a look at these other commonly confused as-a-compound words:
● Alright vs all right: Alright is a compound of all right. Technically, alright is informal and should be avoided in formal writing.
● Alot vs a lot: Alot is not a word and should be avoided period. A lot is a phrase or idiom, it means “very much” of something. It’s a flexible and versatile term that is frequently used, perhaps a little too much … or a lot.
Nevermind vs never mind: It’s ‘never mind’ as two words. Sorry, Nirvana, but the album probably resulted in an aggregate dip in correct grammar. Hopefully the reference makes sense; If not, never mind.
What started as a hunch is now confirmed, only at #Gflex. Check out this fun fact to whip out at the next social party or event: #FunFact Checked: Nirvana’s 1991 studio album “Nevermind” did indeed correlate with a noticeable increase in the one-worded version and incorrect spelling of ‘nevermind’!
Every time vs everytime: the correct way to write every time is as two words, not one, every time.
In review: altogether/all together
The two words cannot be used interchangeably in writing (in conversation they sound the same, so it won’t matter.) In writing, the one word ‘altogether’ and two words ‘all together’ carry distinct meanings.
· Altogether means “completely,” or “entirely.”
· All together as two words means doing something as a group, or along with everyone else.
More confusing words
Practice: Altogether or all together?
Let’s sing the song ______ now.
The movie was ______ boring.
We arrived at the party ______.
I am not ______ sure about the answer.
Are we ______ on the same page?
FAQs
How are “altogether” and “all together” different?
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When should I use “all together”?
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What does “altogether” mean?
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When should I use “altogether”?
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Is “altogether” one or two words?
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Sources
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Nevermind Nirvana Synonyms for altogether Commonly confused compounds Dutch Proverbs Sentence examples for all together Nordquist, Richard, “All Together vs. Altogether.” ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020
Yash, D. "When and How to Use Altogether vs. All Together." Grammarflex, Sep 15, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/altogether-vs-all-together/.
