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all together —   altogether

When we say “all together” (two words with a double ‘l’), we mean that ‘all the people or things in a group are at one place, ready for something or ready to do something’,

e.g.

The boys were all together in one room.

When we say “altogether” (one word with a single ‘l’), we mean ‘completely; on the whole; thoroughly, etc.’,

e.g.

Altogether, there are thirty girls in the class.  [total number]

The machine stopped working altogether.   [completely]

Common Errors:

1.  After the meeting, we altogether sing the National Anthem.  [wrong]

After the meeting, we all sing the National Anthem. [right]

OR

After the meeting, we sing the National Anthem all together.  [right]

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