Altogether In A Sentence | Clear Meaning, Clean Usage

“Altogether” shows up in essays, emails, and test passages, yet it still trips people up. Sometimes it means “entirely.” Other times it means “on the whole.” It also gets mixed up with “all together,” which looks similar but acts differently.

What “Altogether” Means In Plain English

“Altogether” is an adverb with two common meanings:

• Completely / entirely: it strengthens a description.
• On the whole / all things considered: it gives an overall judgment.

If you want a dictionary check, the entry on Cambridge Dictionary’s “altogether” page lists these senses with clear examples.

Meaning 1: “Completely” Or “Entirely”

In this sense, “altogether” boosts what comes next, often an adjective or descriptive phrase.

• The plan was altogether unrealistic for a one-week deadline.
• Her answer was altogether correct, down to the final unit.

Meaning 2: “On The Whole” Or “All Things Considered”

In this sense, “altogether” points to the big picture. It often appears at the start of a clause, or right before a broad evaluation.

• Altogether, the course workload was fair for a full semester.
• I didn’t love every chapter, but the book was altogether worth reading.

Altogether In A Sentence: Where It Fits Naturally

Placement is what makes “altogether” sound natural. Put it where it clearly modifies the word or idea you mean.

Right Before An Adjective

This is the cleanest pattern when you mean “completely.”

• That explanation is altogether unnecessary.
• It’s altogether possible to finish in two sessions.

Right Before A Verb Phrase

“Altogether” can modify a verb idea, often with “was/were” or another linking verb.

• The meeting was altogether canceled after the outage.
• By noon, the rumor had been altogether disproved.

At The Start Of A Clause

When you mean “on the whole,” you can place “altogether” up front with a comma.

• Altogether, the new schedule works better for commuters.
• Altogether, it’s a solid argument with a weak ending.

Comma And Rhythm Notes

When “altogether” starts a sentence, a comma usually keeps it readable: “Altogether, the plan works.” Skip the comma only when “altogether” sits inside the clause and directly modifies a word: “The plan is altogether workable.”

If you’re writing for a formal class, keep the placement tight and avoid stacking adverbs. One “altogether” per sentence is plenty. If you want a softer tone, move it later: “The plan works, altogether.” That ending style fits casual writing, but it can feel vague in academic work.

For a second, widely cited dictionary view, the Merriam-Webster entry for “altogether” is a helpful cross-check when you’re unsure which sense matches your sentence.

Fast Checks To Pick The Right Meaning

If you’re stuck, run a quick swap test. Replace “altogether” with a simpler phrase and see if the sentence still works.

Swap Test A: Try “Completely”

• The idea is altogether wrong. → The idea is completely wrong.
• That excuse is altogether thin. → That excuse is completely thin.

Swap Test B: Try “On The Whole”

• Altogether, the project went well. → On the whole, the project went well.
• The plot drags, but it’s altogether enjoyable. → The plot drags, but it’s on the whole enjoyable.

Swap Test C: If Neither Works, Rebuild The Sentence

1. Write the core claim without “altogether.”
2. Choose the meaning you want: “completely” or “on the whole.”
3. Place “altogether” right before the word or clause you mean to strengthen.

Sentence Patterns You Can Copy

These templates work in essays and reports. Swap in your nouns and adjectives, then read it aloud once.

Pattern 1: Linking Verb + Altogether + Adjective

• The result is altogether [adjective].
• The claim was altogether [adjective].

Pattern 2: Altogether, + Summary Clause

• Altogether, [overall judgment].
• Altogether, [main point that sums up the details].

Pattern 3: “Altogether Too” For Degree

• That price is altogether too high for a used copy.
• The rule is altogether too strict for a beginner class.

Altogether In A Sentence: Reference Table

Use this table to match your intent with a clean placement and a model sentence.

What You Mean	Best Placement	Model Sentence
Completely / entirely	Before an adjective	The rule is altogether clear.
Completely / entirely	Before a verb phrase	The plan was altogether rejected.
On the whole	Start of a clause + comma	Altogether, the plan works.
On the whole	Before a broad evaluation	It’s altogether fair to say that…
Either meaning	Near the end for tone	The lesson landed well altogether.
Completely / entirely	Before a “too” phrase	That price is altogether too high.
On the whole	Before “worth” + verb	It’s altogether worth revising.
Completely / entirely	Before “different”	It’s altogether different from last year.

The “Altogether” Vs “All Together” Mix-Up

This is the error that shows up most often. The fix is simple once you know what each form does.

“Altogether” Is One Word

Use one word when you mean “completely” or “on the whole.” It answers “to what degree?” or “what’s the overall take?”

• Her tone was altogether different in the second email.
• Altogether, the class did well on the final.

“All Together” Is Two Words

Use two words when you mean “in a group” or “at the same time.” You can often replace it with “together.”

• The students sat all together in the front row.
• We started the timer all together.

One-Second Check

If you can swap in “together,” use all together. If you can swap in “completely” or “on the whole,” use altogether.

Second Reference Table: Altogether Or All Together

Match your intent, then copy the correct form.

Your Intent	Correct Form	Sentence You Can Adapt
Completely	Altogether	The claim is altogether false.
Overall judgment	Altogether	Altogether, the evidence backs the point.
In one group	All together	The team stood all together for the photo.
At the same time	All together	The lights turned off all together.
Degree or intensity	Altogether	That rule is altogether too strict.
Same place	All together	Keep the pages all together in one folder.

Common Errors And Fast Fixes

Most mistakes come from wrong form or unclear placement. Here’s how to spot each one.

Error 1: Wrong Form

Wrong: The kids sat altogether on the rug.

Right: The kids sat all together on the rug.

Error 2: “Altogether” Too Far From Its Target

Weak: The report, after three edits, was clear altogether for the reader.

Better: The report was altogether clear after three edits.

Error 3: One Sentence That Tries To Do Too Much

If the sentence feels split, “altogether” may be doing two jobs. Pick one meaning, then rewrite with one clear target.

• Pick “completely” when you’re judging accuracy, clarity, or certainty.
• Pick “on the whole” when you’re judging a mix of pros and cons.

Mini Practice Set

Try these five lines, then check yourself with the swap tests. If “completely” fits, use one word. If “together” fits, use two words.

• The two classes worked ________ on the poster.
• Her explanation was ________ clear after the revision.
• ________, the results match what we expected.
• The notes were kept ________ in one binder.
• That fee is ________ too high for a one-day event.

Editing Checklist Before You Submit

These checks take under a minute and catch most issues:

• Decide the meaning: “completely” or “on the whole.”
• Check the form: one word (“altogether”) vs two words (“all together”).
• Move it close to its target word or clause.
• Run one swap test to confirm the meaning.

With those habits, “altogether” stops being a guess and starts feeling like a word you can place with control.