What Does "altogether" Mean?
- What it expresses: "Altogether" is a versatile adverb primarily used to express degree (meaning "entirely" or "completely"), extent (meaning "in total"), or to introduce a summary (meaning "considering everything").
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It can modify an adjective (e.g., altogether different), a verb (e.g., stop altogether), or an entire clause when used as a sentence adverb.
- Register: Neutral to formal. It is frequently found in journalism, academic writing, and professional discourse, though it is also common in standard spoken English.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions:
- Final position: Most common when modifying a verb to mean "completely" or "permanently" (e.g., "They stopped the project altogether").
- Mid-position: Placed before an adjective to intensify it (e.g., "An altogether different matter").
- Initial position: Used as a conjunctive adverb to summarize a situation (e.g., "Altogether, it was a success").
- What it modifies and how it changes the meaning: When modifying a verb, it emphasizes the finality or totality of an action. When modifying an adjective, it serves as a strong intensifier, often suggesting a complete shift in category or quality.
- Grammatical flexibility: It is highly flexible. It can be fronted for emphasis, used in negative constructions (though "not altogether" often means "not completely"), and appears in questions.
- What sounds unnatural: Using "altogether" when you mean a physical group of people acting in unison (which requires "all together").
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from altogether on Ludwig.guru.
"Better contact-tracing is vital to end the epidemic altogether." — theguardian.com
"Altogether, it's an unmissable course for filmmakers at any stage of their career." — theguardian.com
"After his visit to Santa Maria Maggiore, Francis, dressed in a simple white cassock and zucchetto, decided while on the way back that he wanted to attend to an altogether more mundane matter: the collection of his luggage from the residence he had been staying at before conclave and the payment of his bill." — theguardian.com
"Platini said it was possible that Uefa could withdraw its co-operation from Fifa if Blatter won or even boycott the World Cup altogether." — theguardian.com
"Lombardi was referring to a previous instance in which Scalfari wrote up an encounter with Francis last October, which the Vatican later claimed was not altogether accurate." — theguardian.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/altogether
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| entirely |
A direct synonym used to emphasize the completeness of a state or action. |
| completely |
Neutral and common; often replaces altogether in informal speech. |
| on the whole |
Used when altogether acts as a summary marker for a general situation. |
| in total |
Specifically used when altogether refers to a numerical sum. |
| wholly |
More formal and literary; often modifies adjectives or abstract nouns. |
| all in all |
An idiomatic alternative for the summarizing function of altogether. |
Common Mistakes
- Confusing "altogether" with "all together": Learners frequently confuse altogether (an adverb meaning entirely) with the phrase all together (meaning everyone or everything in a group). For example, "We sang all together" is correct, whereas "We sang altogether" would imply the singing was done in an "entire" manner.
- Misplacement of summary usage: Using altogether at the end of a sentence when it is meant to summarize the entire preceding argument; in this case, it should be at the start followed by a comma.
- Over-intensification: Using it with adjectives that are already absolute (e.g., "altogether unique"), which can sometimes feel redundant in formal writing.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| altogether |
Intensifier / Summarizer |
Neutral to Formal |
Initial (summary) or Final (degree) |
FAQs
Where in a sentence should altogether appear?
The placement of altogether depends on its function. Use the initial position when you want to summarize a situation, the mid-position before an adjective to intensify it, and the final position to emphasize that an action has ceased or changed completely.
What is the difference between altogether and entirely?
While both act as adverbs of degree, altogether is often used to suggest a complete change in category or to summarize a total amount. In contrast, entirely focuses more strictly on the absence of any exceptions or parts within a single state.
Is there a difference between altogether and all together?
Yes, and learners frequently confuse altogether (an adverb meaning entirely) with the phrase all together (meaning everyone or everything in a group). Use the two-word version all together when referring to people in a physical group, and the single word altogether for degree or totals.