four altogether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "four altogether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a total count of four items or people combined. Example: "We have three apples and one orange, so that's four altogether."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We settled on the wines - four altogether - and then, feeling slightly weary from all these decisions, I reinvigorated myself with a swim and a little nap on my sunny lanai.

The New York Times - Magazine

In an unusual twist, two singers (there are four altogether) first appear from the aisles, though Ms. Yerbabuena responds to much of the music in a similar fashion: closed eyes, parted lips and arms coiling above her head like snakes.

The New York Times - Arts

For proof that this city swims with the sharks, sail straight to Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar, with two locations in Denver and four altogether in the state.

The Guardian - Travel

Although signed for three albums, she created four altogether with Let's Get To It being her first album to feature songwriting credits by Minogue.

Wikipedia

From the age of 21, and for 40 serially (semi-) monogamous years, Ernest Hemingway was virtually always married--plunging like a half-blinded bull from the disastrous end of one marriage (there were four altogether), to the heady, precipitous beginning of the next.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"There were ten altogether.

The New Yorker

And Britain is in third, with two golds, three silvers and two bronzes, seven altogether.

The Guardian - Sport

Five people have reportedly died in the state, and sixteen altogether.

The New Yorker

It was difficult to get more than hundred altogether," Park said.

The Guardian

Republicans are expecting a voter turnout of about 1.9 million altogether.

The New York Times

They are middle schoolers, six altogether, who participate in a secret H.E.R.O.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "four altogether" when you want to clearly state a total quantity after specifying individual components or categories. It provides a concise summary of the overall number.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when "four altogether" provides a clear and simple way to express the total. Simplicity enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "four altogether" typically functions as a post-modifier, specifying the total quantity of something. It usually follows a statement that lists or implies individual components, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "four altogether" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a total count of four. While relatively infrequent, as shown by Ludwig's examples, it serves to provide clarity by summarizing a quantity after specific elements have been mentioned. The phrase is versatile enough for use in neutral contexts, including news and general writing, although more formal alternatives like "a total of four" may suit certain situations better. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability, reinforcing its validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total of four

Emphasizes the sum or final count, similar to "four altogether" but with a slightly more formal tone.

four in total

Similar in meaning and usage, this alternative highlights that the count reaches four when everything is considered.

four in all

A more concise way of expressing the same quantity, suitable for informal contexts.

four combined

Highlights the act of combining elements to reach the total of four.

four inclusive

Indicates that the number four represents the entirety of what's being considered.

the sum of which is four

A more formal and technical way of expressing the total quantity.

all four together

Implies bringing individual items together to form a group of four.

four when added up

Focuses on the arithmetic process of summing to reach the total.

four counted together

Emphasizes the act of counting as a single unit to reach the number four.

completely four

This alternative is less common but emphasizes the completeness or entirety of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "four altogether" in a sentence?

You can use "four altogether" to specify a total count after listing individual items. For example, "We have two cats and two dogs, that's "four altogether"".

What's a simpler way to say "four altogether"?

Alternatives include "four in total" or "a total of four", which are equally clear and easy to understand.

Is "four altogether" formal or informal?

"Four altogether" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, "a total of four" might be preferred in very formal writing.

Can I use "in total four" instead of "four altogether"?

While "in total four" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less common and may sound awkward. Stick with "four in total" or "four altogether" for better clarity.