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You've been learning English for several years and you feel quite confident in your ability.
You sit down to read a classic English novel and come across the following sentence:
"Altogether, we were all together."
Learning English sure is difficult, isn't it? Luckily, help is here!
Learn the difference between "altogether" vs. "all together" so you don't get confused anymore!
What does "all together" mean?
"All together" refers to people or things grouped together, either in a physical place or united in the same action.
Examples include:
My family is all together for the holidays.
The choir sang all together during the performance.
The crowd cheered all together when their team scored a point.
Quiz
Where would "all together" fit most appropriately? Select all that apply:
People may scream all together when something shocking happens. Likewise, when people "huddle" they come together. On the other hand, you can't sing all together if it's only you. And finally, the word "seperately" means the opposite of "all together."
What does "altogether" mean?
The word "altogether" means wholly or completely.
Examples include:
I abandoned my dreams altogether after all my money was stolen from me.
The jury found the defendant's story altogether unbelievable.
Since the man felt ill, he canceled his daily meetings altogether.
"Altogether" could also mean all told or all things considered. It refers to how a complete situation turned out or how an ongoing situation is currently doing overall.
Examples include:
Altogether, the project was a success!
Altogether, the lemonade stand earned record profits.
To achieve his dream, he needed to work hard and have a bit of luck, and, altogether, he was able to do it.
Quiz
Where would be the best place to use "altogether"? Select all that apply:
"Altogether, there were five particpants" works because it showing how many people there are in a situation. Also, to be "altogether unsatisfied" means to be "completely unsatisfied." "Altogether, the race began" doesn't make sense because "altogether" refers to a complete situation, not something that is just beginning. Instead of "She was not at altogether mad at him," we would say, "She was not at all mad at him."
Did you know?
This Byte was created by a volunteer professional that wanted to share this insight to help you succeed - no agenda, no cost.
Quiz
"All together" or "altogether"?
Eileen did not expect that her family would come __________ at the same time to her house. She thought they would visit seperately. She was disappointed because she thought it would drain her energy to deal with them all at once. However, that was not the case. __________, she had a wonderful time with all of her family.
Quiz
Where do the words best fit?
The family came all together, meaning they came at the same time as a single unit instead of seperately. Altogether, she had a wonderful time, meaning that once the complete situation played out, everything was a-OK!
Take Action
Yes, English can be confusing but, altogether, it isn't so bad!
Come back to Rumie for more help with your English!
This Byte has been authored by
Adam Minahan
Learning Designer