Catie Holdridge
It would be easy to imagine that these words represent an evolution: two words becoming one. In fact, they have distinct meanings. Here’s how to keep each in its place.
Altogether can mean entirely, utterly or completely; on the whole; or with everything included:
That’s a different point altogether.
Altogether the meeting was a success.
You owe £500 altogether.
All together means in or as a group (a physical or conceptual one), collectively; or in one place:
Let’s sing our office theme song: all together now!
Once everyone’s ideas were in, we were able to bring it all together.
We’re all together in this.
A good way to test which version you want is to see if you can put another word (or words) between the all and the together.
Are we altogether convinced we’re all in this together?
Now that’s clear, take a moment to enjoy what, surely, is the best example of people altogether confused over which is which.
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