it is altogether

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is altogether" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it to describe a situation that is complete, entire, or absolute. Example: "It is altogether a different experience to watch a movie in the theater, compared to streaming it at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, having been turned 180 degrees to stand on its branches, it is altogether more intriguing.

The Guardian - Arts

It is altogether fitting that every age has its own vision of Lincoln.

The New Yorker

It is altogether, altogether unthinkable.

The New Yorker

It is altogether more serious.

The Guardian

And it is altogether stirring.

The New York Times - Books

Not that repressing it is altogether a good thing.

Independent

It is altogether a terrific treat for minds and eyes.

The New York Times - Arts

It is altogether more literal, emotional and graphic than "Guernica".

The New York Times

And some say it is altogether invisible to them.

The New York Times

But it is altogether more precious, shiny and busy.

The Guardian - Books

"As Churchill might have said, it is altogether unsordid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is altogether" to emphasize a sense of completeness or totality, particularly when describing situations that are fully realized or entirely appropriate. For instance: "It is altogether fitting that the stadium is named after him."

Common error

While "it is altogether" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's completely" or "it's totally" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is altogether" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree or extent of a quality or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express completeness, fittingness, or a high degree of something. Examples show its role in conveying that something is entirely appropriate, different, or possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is altogether" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize completeness, fittingness, or a high degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an intensifier, commonly found in news and media, but also present in scientific and formal writing. While grammatically correct and widely applicable, avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives include "it is entirely" or "it is completely". Use "it is altogether" to add weight and conviction to your statements, recognizing its appropriateness across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is entirely

Emphasizes the completeness or exclusivity of a condition or state, similar to "it is altogether".

it is completely

Highlights the total or full extent of something, akin to expressing an absolute state like "it is altogether".

it is wholly

Stresses the integral and unrestricted nature of something, mirroring the comprehensive aspect of "it is altogether".

it is fully

Underscores the fulfillment or realization of something to the greatest extent, similar to the completeness implied by "it is altogether".

it is absolutely

Highlights the definitive and unquestionable nature of a situation, resembling the certainty conveyed by "it is altogether".

it is perfectly

Indicates an ideal or flawless state, suggesting a fittingness similar to that implied by "it is altogether".

it is patently

Emphasizes the obvious or evident nature of something, aligning with the unequivocal sense of "it is altogether".

it is undeniably

Stresses the irrefutable and incontestable aspect of a situation, akin to the conclusiveness conveyed by "it is altogether".

it is unquestionably

Highlights the indisputable and certain quality of something, echoing the assuredness of "it is altogether".

it is without a doubt

Emphasizes the certainty and lack of ambiguity in a situation, similar to the definiteness expressed by "it is altogether".

FAQs

How can I use "it is altogether" in a sentence?

Use "it is altogether" to express a complete or total state, or to emphasize the fittingness of something. For example, "It is altogether fitting that we should honor their memory."

What can I say instead of "it is altogether"?

You can use alternatives like "it is entirely", "it is completely", or "it is wholly" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "it is altogether" or "it's altogether"?

"It is altogether" is more formal and emphasizes the complete or fitting nature of something, while "it's altogether" is a contraction that maintains the same meaning but in a slightly more informal way.

What's the difference between "it is altogether" and "it is all together"?

"It is altogether" means completely or entirely. "It is all together" refers to items or people being gathered or combined in one place or state.