Altogether vs. All Together
Have you ever wondered about the differences and similarities between 'altogether' and 'all together'? Well, why don't you come and learn all about them?
What Is Their Main Difference?
Both of these words are used to talk about a group of people. However, 'altogether' indicates that we have included everyone in a particular group/community. 'All together', on the other hand, is used to tell a group of people to all say or do something at the same time.
Differences
As stated above, 'altogether' points out that we have counted every one. It is a single word that is used as an adverb. Look:
The couple were able to raise seven healthy children
The salon can house 400 people
'All together' is aphrase (consisting of all + together) and signifies some things all in one place or all at the same time. Look at the following examples for more clarification:
The guests arrived at our house
The guitarists were gathered around the vocalist
Similarities
Both have nearly the same dictations. Additionally, both are used to refer to a group of people/things. Look:
After having counted three times, we have 49 dogs
Why are you all shouting
Are They Interchangeable?
Since both have differences in their meanings, they cannot be used interchangeably. If you take a look at the following examples, you will understand that we use 'altogether' to refer to something as a whole, not indicating that some things happened at the same time. Compare:
✓ Then, all the students in the class started clapping their hands
✗ Then, all the students in the class started clapping their hands