All together, altogether

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• General information on homonyms
• All together
• Altogether
• Additional information

General information on homonyms

Homonyms are words that have different meanings but are pronounced or spelled the same way. That’s why expressions like all together and altogether are easily confused.

For more information, read our writing tip “Homonyms, homophones, homographs.”

All together

The phrase all together has a number of meanings:

1. in unison
   • Please sing the chorus all together.
2. in a group
   • They’re driving to the concert all together in one car.

Altogether

The adverb altogether has several meanings:

1. on the whole
   • Altogether, it has been an enjoyable experience.
2. in total
   • There are 59 participants altogether.
3. entirely
   • Marla was altogether distraught when she heard the news.

The phrase in the altogether is used informally to mean “naked.”

• Ari didn’t open the door because he was in the altogether.

Additional information

• Homonyms, homophones, homographs