1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Grammar & Composition

All Together and Altogether

By Richard Nordquist, About.com

The phrase all together refers to people or things gathered in one place. The adverb altogether means "entirely" or "wholly."

Examples:

When 50 Elvis impersonators appeared all together at Windsor Palace, the queen observed that this was "altogether inappropriate."

Practice:

(a) The clowns stood ______ at the front of the chapel.

(b) Despite their painted smiles, the clowns' sorrow was ______ clear.

Answers to Practice Exercises

Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words

Explore Grammar & Composition

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Grammar & Composition
  4. Words
  5. Commonly Confused Words
  6. All Together and Altogether - Glossary of Usage - Commonly Confused Words - All Together versus Altogether

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.