“Altogether” and “all together” look almost identical, but they have different meanings and grammatical uses.
Altogether is usually an adverb meaning completely, entirely, or in total, while all together is a phrase meaning everyone or everything together in one place or at one time.
This small difference can be confusing, especially for English learners because both forms can sound similar when spoken.
Quick Answer
Altogether means completely, entirely, or in total. All together means everyone or everything together. For example, “There were altogether 50 students” means there were 50 in total, while “The students stood all together” means they stood as one group.
Why Do People Confuse “Altogether” and “All Together”?
The confusion comes mainly from their similar spelling and pronunciation. Both contain the words all and together, but they do not function in exactly the same way.
The key difference is meaning:
- Altogether = completely, entirely, or in total
- All together = everyone or everything together
Compare these:
- Altogether, we spent $100. → The total was $100.
- We sat all together at one table. → We sat as one group.
A useful test is to replace the expression with “in total” or “completely.” If the sentence still makes sense, altogether is probably correct. If you mean people or things are physically or collectively together, use all together.
What Does “Altogether” Mean?
Altogether is an adverb. It commonly has three related meanings: in total, completely, or considering everything.
1. Altogether = In Total
Use altogether when you are talking about a total amount or number.
- There were altogether 25 guests.
- The three books cost altogether $60.
- Altogether, we collected $500.
Here, altogether can often be replaced by “in total.”
2. Altogether = Completely or Entirely
It can also mean completely.
- The plan was altogether different from what we expected.
- The situation is altogether too complicated.
- That is an altogether different matter.
3. Altogether = Taking Everything Into Account
Sometimes altogether introduces a general conclusion.
- Altogether, it was a successful trip.
- The movie was not bad altogether.
This use is somewhat more formal and less common in everyday beginner-level English.
What Does “All Together” Mean?
All together is a phrase made up of the adjective/pronoun all and the adverb together.
It means everyone or everything in the same place, group, or situation.
- The children were sitting all together.
- Put the books all together on the desk.
- We sang the song all together.
In these examples, all together describes people or things being together as a group.
A helpful way to remember it is:
If you can imagine separate people or objects being brought into one group, all together is usually the right choice.
Altogether vs All Together: Comparison Table
| Expression | Meaning | Typical use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| altogether | in total | Numbers, amounts, totals | We spent $80 altogether. |
| altogether | completely/entirely | Describing something | It was an altogether different experience. |
| all together | everyone/everything together | Groups of people or things | We stood all together. |
| all together | at the same time | Collective action | Say the words all together. |
When Should You Use “Altogether”?
Use altogether when you mean:
- in total
- completely
- entirely
- considering everything
Examples
- There were altogether 40 participants.
- The tickets cost altogether $120.
- The idea is altogether unrealistic.
- Altogether, it was a pleasant experience.
If “in total” fits naturally, altogether is often the correct choice.
When Should You Use “All Together”?
Use all together when you mean:
- everyone together
- everything together
- one group
- at the same time as a group
Examples
- Let’s stand all together for the photograph.
- The family ate all together.
- Put the ingredients all together in the bowl.
- The children shouted all together.
If you are describing people or things being together as a group, choose all together.
10+ Examples of “Altogether” and “All Together”
Here are practical examples showing the difference clearly.
- Altogether, we invited 30 people.
→ 30 people in total. - The students sat all together in the front row.
→ They sat as one group. - The repairs cost altogether $250.
→ The total cost was $250. - We gathered all together before dinner.
→ Everyone gathered as a group. - The two situations are altogether different.
→ They are completely different. - The players walked onto the field all together.
→ They walked as a group. - There were five questions altogether.
→ Five questions in total. - Let’s sing all together.
→ Everyone should sing at the same time. - The experience was altogether unexpected.
→ It was completely unexpected. - The children stayed all together during the trip.
→ They remained as one group. - Altogether, the project took six weeks.
→ Six weeks in total. - We put the chairs all together in one corner.
→ The chairs were placed together.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “all together” for a total
❌ We have all together 15 employees.
✅ We have altogether 15 employees.
Here, the meaning is “15 employees in total.”
Mistake 2: Using “altogether” for a group
❌ The children stood altogether for the photograph.
If you mean they stood together as a group, the clearer choice is:
✅ The children stood all together for the photograph.
Mistake 3: Assuming “all together” always means “in total”
The two expressions are not interchangeable.
- Altogether → total or complete
- All together → united or in the same group
Mistake 4: Confusing “altogether” with “all together” in formal writing
Because altogether is one word, changing it to two words can change the meaning.
Compare:
- We spent $200 altogether. → $200 in total.
- We spent the afternoon all together. → We were together as a group.
Memory Trick: How Can You Remember the Difference?
Use this simple rule:
Altogether = Amount or entirety
Think A = Altogether = Amount/All in total.
All together = All as a group
If you can point to the people or objects and say, “They are together,” use all together.
Easy test
Ask:
Does it mean “in total” or “completely”?
→ altogether
Does it mean “everyone/everything together”?
→ all together
Altogether vs All Together in American and British English
The distinction between altogether and all together is generally the same in both American and British English.
Both varieties use:
- altogether for meanings such as “in total” and “completely”
- all together for people or things being together
For example:
- British English: There were 20 people altogether.
- American English: There were 20 people altogether.
The same distinction applies in both varieties, so this is not usually a case of choosing a different spelling based on whether you are writing for American or British readers.
Similar Words and Expressions
Understanding related expressions can make the difference easier to remember.
Altogether
Similar expressions include:
- in total
- completely
- entirely
- wholly
- overall
- on the whole
The exact replacement depends on the sentence.
All Together
Similar expressions include:
- as a group
- collectively
- in a group
- side by side
- at the same time
- everyone together
Again, the best alternative depends on the context.
Final Verdict: Altogether or All Together?
Use altogether when you mean “in total,” “completely,” or “entirely.”
Use all together when you mean “everyone or everything together.”
The easiest distinction is:
For example, “We spent $100 altogether” means the total was $100, while “We sat all together” means everyone sat as one group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “altogether” one word?
Yes. Altogether is normally written as one word when it means “in total,” “completely,” or “entirely.”
Is “all together” two words?
Yes. All together is written as two words when it means people or things are together as a group.
Is “altogether” the same as “all together”?
No. They have different meanings. Altogether usually means “in total” or “completely,” while all together means “everyone or everything together.”
Which is correct: “all together 20 people” or “altogether 20 people”?
Altogether 20 people is correct when you mean 20 people in total.
Can “altogether” mean “completely”?
Yes. For example: “That is an altogether different problem.” Here, “altogether” means “completely” or “entirely.”
Can “all together” refer to objects?
Yes. It can describe objects being placed or kept together.
For example: “Put all the papers together.” However, the exact sentence structure matters, because all together and all the papers together are not always interchangeable.
Is “altogether” formal or informal?
Altogether is used in both everyday and formal English. Some uses, particularly the meaning “on the whole,” can sound more formal.
Remember This
Altogether = in total / completely
All together = everyone or everything together
When in doubt, try replacing the expression:
- “In total” → altogether
- “As one group” → all together
That quick substitution test will help you choose the correct form in most everyday sentences.
Conclusion
The difference between altogether and all together is small in spelling but important in meaning.
Altogether is an adverb that commonly means “in total,” “completely,” or “entirely.” All together is a two-word phrase used when people or things are together as a group or act together.
For English learners, the simplest rule is to focus on the meaning rather than the spelling.
If you are talking about a total or something complete, use altogether. If you are talking about people or things being , use all together.
With a little practice, this commonly confused pair becomes easy to distinguish.
