Altogether vs. All Together 

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:

Example

The couple were able to raise seven healthy children altogether.

The salon can house 400 people altogether.

'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:

Example

The guests arrived at our house all together.

The guitarists were gathered around the vocalist all together.

Similarities

Both have nearly the same dictations. Additionally, both are used to refer to a group of people/things. Look:

Example

After having counted three times, we have 49 dogs altogether.

Why are you all shouting all together?

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:

Example

✓ Then, all the students in the class started clapping their hands all together.

✗ Then, all the students in the class started clapping their hands altogether.

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