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altogether

B2 noun #4,000 最常用 15分钟阅读

altogether

前4,000

开始练习例句笔记与提示 altogether 30秒了解

解析 altogether in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'altogether' is quite advanced. Most beginners will first learn the word 'total' or 'all.' However, if you see 'altogether,' you can think of it as a way to say 'the final number.' For example, if you have two apples and three oranges, you have five pieces of fruit altogether. It is like adding numbers in a math class. You might also hear a teacher say 'altogether' when they want everyone to do something at the same time, but in writing, that is usually two words: 'all together.' For an A1 student, focus on the 'total number' meaning. It is a word that helps you finish a list of things you are talking about. You don't need to use it often yet, but knowing it means 'in total' will help you when you go shopping or talk about your family. Imagine you are at a store. You buy a shirt for ten dollars and a hat for five dollars. The shopkeeper says, 'That is fifteen dollars altogether.' This is the most common way you will hear it. It is a very useful word for counting things and giving a final answer. Even though it is a long word, it is simple if you think of it as a 'summary' word. Just remember to use only one 'L' at the start and no space in the middle. If you can count to ten, you can use 'altogether' to tell someone the total of what you counted. It is a great way to sound a little more advanced when you are speaking English for the first time.

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For A2 learners, 'altogether' starts to appear more in reading and listening. At this level, you should know that 'altogether' means 'in total' or 'completely.' You might use it to describe a whole situation. For example, 'The party was altogether very fun.' This means the whole party was fun, from start to finish. You can also use it to stop doing something. 'I stopped eating candy altogether' means you don't eat candy anymore—not even a little bit. This is a strong word that shows you are serious. A2 students often confuse 'altogether' with 'all together.' Remember: 'all together' (two words) is for people in a group, like 'We walked all together to the park.' 'Altogether' (one word) is for a total amount or to mean 'completely.' You will see this word in simple stories or news reports for learners. It is a good word to use when you want to summarize something. If you are writing about your vacation, you could say, 'Altogether, it was a great trip.' This tells the reader that even if some small things were bad, the whole trip was good. It is a very helpful 'closing' word. Using it makes your sentences sound more connected. Instead of just saying 'The total is ten,' saying 'It is ten dollars altogether' sounds much more natural and like a real English speaker. Keep practicing by using it at the end of your sentences when you talk about numbers or at the beginning when you want to give a general opinion about your day.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'altogether' with more variety and accuracy. You should be comfortable using it to modify adjectives to mean 'completely' or 'entirely.' For instance, instead of saying 'The movie was very different from the book,' you could say 'The movie was altogether different.' This adds a level of sophistication to your English. It suggests that you are not just comparing two things, but that you have evaluated them and found no similarities. You also use it as a sentence adverb to summarize your thoughts. 'Altogether, I think the new law will help many people.' In this context, it shows you have considered different points and reached a final conclusion. B1 learners should also be aware of the polite use of 'altogether' in negative sentences. Saying 'I'm not altogether sure' is a very common and useful way to express doubt without being rude. It sounds much softer than 'I don't know' or 'I disagree.' This is an important part of social English. You will hear this in office meetings or during discussions with friends. Another area to focus on is the placement of the word. You know it can go at the end for totals and at the start for summaries. Now, try placing it before adjectives to emphasize them. This will make your descriptions more powerful. You are moving beyond simple vocabulary and starting to use words that have multiple functions. 'Altogether' is a perfect example of this. It helps you link ideas and provide clear, strong summaries of information, which is a key skill for B1 level writing and speaking exams.

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At the B2 level, 'altogether' is a word you should use naturally to provide emphasis and structure to your communication. You are now expected to distinguish clearly between 'altogether' and 'all together' in all contexts. You should use 'altogether' to signify a total extent or a complete state, especially in more formal or academic writing. For example, 'The two theories are altogether incompatible' shows a high level of precision. Here, 'altogether' functions as a degree adverb that is stronger and more formal than 'completely.' You should also use it as a transition word to synthesize complex information. If you are writing an essay, 'altogether' can be used in your conclusion to bring together various arguments: 'Altogether, the evidence points toward a need for urgent reform.' This demonstrates your ability to manage discourse and provide a coherent summary. Furthermore, you should be able to recognize the subtle difference between 'altogether' and 'overall.' While 'overall' gives a general impression, 'altogether' often implies that you have added up the parts to reach the whole. In business and professional settings, you will use it to discuss budgets, results, and comprehensive strategies. 'The project will take six months altogether' is a definitive statement of time. You should also be comfortable with its use in literature or high-level journalism, where it is used to create a specific tone or to emphasize the absolute nature of a situation. At B2, your goal is to use 'altogether' to show that you can handle complex adverbial functions that contribute to the overall flow and impact of your language.

For C1 learners, 'altogether' is a tool for achieving stylistic variety and rhetorical precision. You should use it to convey nuanced meanings, such as using it as a sentence adverb to provide an evaluative summary that carries a certain weight or authority. For instance, 'Altogether, the venture was a failure, but the lessons learned were invaluable.' This shows a sophisticated command of balance in a sentence. You can also use it to modify verbs in a way that suggests a definitive and final action: 'The practice was abolished altogether in the nineteenth century.' This usage emphasizes the absolute nature of the change. At this level, you should also be sensitive to the rhythmic and formal qualities of the word. 'Altogether' often sounds more authoritative than 'completely' or 'entirely,' and it can be used to set a serious tone. You should also be aware of its idiomatic uses and its history, which can help you understand its presence in older literature. You might use it in a 'not altogether' construction to provide a nuanced, slightly understated critique: 'The results were not altogether disappointing, yet they fell short of our ambitious targets.' This level of subtlety is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You are no longer just using the word for its basic meaning; you are using it to control the tone and the persuasive power of your arguments. Whether in a complex academic paper or a high-stakes business negotiation, 'altogether' allows you to summarize data and emphasize points with a level of sophistication that marks you as a highly proficient user of English.

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At the C2 level, your use of 'altogether' should be flawless and stylistically integrated. You understand the word's ability to act as a powerful intensifier and a comprehensive summative adverb. You can use it to create a sense of finality and absolute certainty in your writing. For example, 'The proposal was altogether dismissed as being based on flawed premises.' Here, 'altogether' provides a sharp, definitive edge to the sentence. You are also capable of using it in complex sentence structures where it serves as a pivot point for a summary: 'Whether one considers the economic impact, the social repercussions, or the environmental consequences, the project is altogether unsustainable.' This shows a masterly ability to synthesize multiple strands of an argument into a single, forceful conclusion. You also appreciate the word's utility in providing a polite yet firm hedge in professional discourse, such as 'I am not altogether convinced by that line of reasoning.' This uses the adverb to maintain a formal decorum while expressing a strong reservation. At this level, you might also use 'altogether' in more creative or literary ways, perhaps playing with its history or its sound to achieve a specific effect. You are fully aware of the rare nominal usage or the idiomatic 'in the altogether' and can use such phrases if the context demands a specific stylistic touch. Your command of 'altogether' reflects a deep understanding of English adverbial nuances, allowing you to move seamlessly between quantitative summation and qualitative intensity, always choosing the exact word to convey your intended meaning with maximum impact and elegance.

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开始练习例句笔记与提示

altogether 30秒了解

Altogether is an adverb used to express 'completely' or 'entirely.' It intensifies adjectives to show a state is absolute and without any exceptions.
It also serves as a summative term meaning 'in total' or 'in all.' Use it at the end of a sentence to provide a final count.
When used at the beginning of a sentence, it means 'on the whole' or 'all things considered,' helping to summarize a complex situation.
A key distinction is between 'altogether' (one word) and 'all together' (two words), with the latter referring to a group acting in unison.

The word altogether is a versatile adverb in the English language that primarily functions in two distinct ways. First, it serves as an intensifier, meaning 'completely,' 'entirely,' or 'totally.' In this capacity, it modifies adjectives or other adverbs to indicate that a quality or state is absolute. For instance, if a project is described as an altogether different challenge, it implies that the new task bears no resemblance to previous ones; the difference is total. This usage is common in both formal writing and sophisticated conversation, providing a more nuanced alternative to simpler words like 'completely.' Second, the word acts as a cohesive device or a sentence adverb, meaning 'on the whole,' 'considering everything,' or 'in total.' When used this way, it summarizes a situation or provides a final tally of items. For example, if you spend various amounts on groceries, rent, and utilities, you might say you spent one thousand dollars altogether. Here, it functions as a summative term that brings disparate elements into a single unified figure. Understanding the duality of this word is crucial for English learners at the B2 level because it allows for more precise expression of both quantity and quality. It is often found in academic papers, business reports, and literary works where the speaker wishes to provide a definitive conclusion or emphasize the completeness of a state. Unlike its phonetic twin 'all together,' which refers to a group of people or things acting in unison, 'altogether' is an abstract modifier. It deals with the extent of a condition or the sum of a situation. In social contexts, it might be used to express a sense of finality or to dismiss further discussion, such as saying, 'That is an altogether different matter,' effectively closing that line of inquiry by emphasizing the total lack of relevance. Throughout history, the word has evolved from its roots in Old English, where the components 'all' and 'together' were distinct, into this single, powerful adverb that encapsulates totality and summation. Today, it remains a staple of clear, effective communication, helping speakers to wrap up their thoughts or underscore the intensity of their descriptions with a single, elegant word.

Core Meaning: Totality: Used to indicate that something is completely or entirely a certain way, leaving no room for doubt or partiality.

The new regulations are altogether more stringent than the previous ones, affecting every department.

Core Meaning: Summation: Used to provide a total count or to summarize a complex situation into a single concluding thought.

There were fifteen guests altogether at the dinner party last night.

The experience was altogether pleasant, despite the minor delays at the start.

If we lose this contract, we might have to stop production altogether.

Contextual Nuance: Dismissal: Sometimes used to suggest that a topic is so different or separate that it should not be compared to the current one.

That is an altogether different problem that we will address next week.

Using altogether correctly requires an understanding of its placement and the specific meaning you wish to convey. When you are using it to mean 'completely' or 'entirely,' it typically precedes the adjective it modifies. For example, 'The situation is altogether different.' In this structure, the adverb intensifies the adjective 'different,' emphasizing that there are no similarities remaining. This is a common pattern in analytical writing where precision is paramount. You might describe a theory as 'altogether plausible' or a result as 'altogether unexpected.' In these cases, the word adds a layer of professional emphasis that 'very' or 'really' cannot provide. On the other hand, when you use the word to mean 'in total' or 'considering everything,' it often appears at the end of a clause or a sentence. For instance, 'There were twelve of us altogether.' This placement signals to the listener that you have finished counting or summarizing. It acts as a linguistic 'period' or 'full stop' for a list of items or events. Furthermore, when used to mean 'on the whole,' it can sometimes appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, to set the tone for the entire statement. 'Altogether, it was a successful mission.' In this introductory position, it serves as a transition word, signaling a summary of the preceding details. It is important to note that 'altogether' should not be used when you mean that people are in the same place at the same time; that is the role of the phrase 'all together.' For example, 'We went to the cinema all together' (as a group), versus 'We spent fifty dollars altogether' (the total sum). Mastering these subtle shifts in position and meaning will significantly enhance your fluency. In business contexts, you might use it to summarize costs: 'The marketing campaign cost fifty thousand dollars altogether.' In creative writing, it can be used to describe an atmosphere: 'The room was altogether too small for such a large gathering.' The versatility of the word allows it to bridge the gap between quantitative data and qualitative description. When practicing, try to substitute 'altogether' with 'completely' or 'in total' to see if the sentence still makes sense. If you mean 'in a group,' you must use 'all together.' This distinction is one of the most common pitfalls for learners, but once mastered, it provides a clear marker of advanced proficiency. Additionally, consider the tone; 'altogether' carries a slightly more formal weight than 'totally,' making it ideal for reports, essays, and serious discussions. It suggests a thoughtful evaluation rather than a reflexive reaction.

Before Adjectives: Placed before an adjective to mean 'completely'. Example: 'An altogether new approach'.

The film was altogether too long for most viewers to enjoy.

End of Sentence: Placed at the end to mean 'in total'. Example: 'That will be ten dollars altogether'.

We have six cats altogether in this small apartment.

Altogether, it was a day we would never forget.

I am not altogether sure that we should proceed with this plan.

With Verbs: Can modify verbs like 'stop' or 'cease' to indicate a total ending. Example: 'He stopped smoking altogether'.

The rain stopped altogether just as the sun began to set.

In the real world, altogether is a frequent guest in professional and academic settings. If you are listening to a financial news report or a corporate briefing, you will often hear it used to summarize quarterly earnings or total expenses. Analysts might say, 'The company saw a growth of twelve percent altogether across all sectors.' This usage provides a sense of comprehensive analysis. In academic lectures, professors use it to synthesize complex theories. You might hear, 'Altogether, these three factors contribute to the decline of the ecosystem.' Here, it functions as a signal that a conclusion is being drawn from multiple pieces of evidence. Beyond these formal environments, the word is also common in everyday British English, particularly in retail and hospitality. A shopkeeper might tell you, 'That will be fifteen pounds altogether, please.' It is a polite and efficient way to state a final price. In more casual conversations, people use it to express strong opinions or to emphasize a total change in behavior. For example, someone might say, 'I've given up sugar altogether,' meaning they don't consume any sugar at all anymore. It conveys a sense of commitment and completeness. You will also encounter it in literature and high-quality journalism. Writers use it to paint a picture of a situation that is 'altogether strange' or 'altogether wonderful,' using the adverb to elevate the description. In legal or political contexts, it is used to describe the total effect of a policy or law. A commentator might remark that a new bill is 'altogether unnecessary,' suggesting that it serves no purpose whatsoever. The word is also a staple of film and book reviews, where critics use it to provide a final verdict: 'Altogether, the movie is a masterpiece of modern cinema.' It helps the critic move from specific details about acting and cinematography to a holistic judgment of the work. Interestingly, you may also hear it in sports commentary when a commentator summarizes a team's performance over a season or a series of matches. 'Altogether, they have won twenty games this year.' In all these contexts, the word serves as a tool for synthesis and emphasis. It is a word that bridges the gap between the specific and the general, the partial and the whole. Whether you are in a boardroom, a classroom, or a coffee shop, 'altogether' is a reliable way to bring clarity and finality to your statements. It is less common in very informal 'slang' contexts, where words like 'totally' or 'completely' might be used more loosely, but in any environment where clear and precise communication is valued, 'altogether' is the preferred choice. It carries an air of authority and completeness that makes the speaker sound more articulate and certain of their facts.

In Retail: Commonly used by cashiers to state the total amount due for a purchase.

'With the discount, your total comes to forty-two dollars altogether,' the clerk said.

In Academic Writing: Used to summarize research findings or to emphasize the total impact of a phenomenon.

Altogether, the data suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior over the last decade.

The storm caused five million dollars in damage altogether.

I think the play was altogether brilliant, from the acting to the set design.

In Everyday Speech: Used to express a complete change or to emphasize a total lack of something.

I've decided to quit social media altogether to focus on my studies.

The most frequent mistake involving altogether is confusing it with the two-word phrase 'all together.' While they sound identical in speech, their meanings and grammatical functions are entirely different. 'Altogether' is a single adverb meaning 'completely' or 'in total.' 'All together,' however, is a phrase where 'all' (meaning everyone or everything) is modified by 'together' (meaning in a group or at the same time). For example, if you say, 'The family was all together for Christmas,' you mean they were in the same house at the same time. If you say, 'The Christmas dinner cost two hundred dollars altogether,' you are referring to the total cost. A good trick to avoid this error is to see if you can put another word between 'all' and 'together.' If you can say 'all of us together,' then you need two words. You cannot say 'all of us together' when you mean 'completely.' Another common error is using 'altogether' when 'together' alone would suffice. For instance, 'We worked altogether on the project' is incorrect if you mean you collaborated; it should be 'We worked together.' Use 'altogether' only when you want to emphasize totality or summation. Another subtle mistake occurs with placement. While 'altogether' can appear at the end of a sentence to mean 'in total,' placing it at the end when you mean 'completely' can sometimes sound awkward. For example, 'The plan was wrong altogether' is less common than 'The plan was altogether wrong.' In the latter, the adverb clearly modifies the adjective. Furthermore, some learners use 'altogether' as a synonym for 'very,' but it is much stronger. 'It was altogether cold' implies it was completely, perhaps even uncomfortably cold, whereas 'It was very cold' just indicates a high degree. Overusing 'altogether' can also make your writing feel stiff or overly formal. It should be reserved for moments where you truly want to summarize or emphasize an absolute state. In negative constructions, learners sometimes forget that 'not altogether' is a common idiomatic way to say 'not completely' or 'not quite.' For example, 'I am not altogether happy with the results' is a polite way of expressing dissatisfaction. Confusing this with 'I am not all together' would mean something entirely different—perhaps that you are mentally disorganized! Finally, ensure you don't use 'altogether' when you mean 'overall' in a way that doesn't involve a sum. While 'altogether' can mean 'on the whole,' it usually implies a synthesis of parts. If you are just giving a general impression without considering specific components, 'overall' might be a better choice. By paying close attention to these distinctions, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and use this sophisticated adverb with confidence and precision.

Altogether vs. All Together: This is the #1 mistake. Remember: one word for 'completely/total', two words for 'in a group'.

Incorrect: We sang altogether.
Correct: We sang all together.

Misuse as 'Together': Don't use 'altogether' to describe people doing things in a group if you don't mean 'total'.

Incorrect: Let's go altogether to the park.
Correct: Let's go together to the park.

Incorrect: That's ten dollars all together.
Correct: That's ten dollars altogether.

I was altogether surprised by her reaction (Meaning: completely surprised).

Over-emphasis: Using 'altogether' too much can make your speech sound dramatic or unnatural. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.

The news was altogether devastating for the small community.

When you want to convey the idea of totality or summation, 'altogether' is a fantastic choice, but several other words can serve as alternatives depending on the context and the level of formality you wish to achieve. For the meaning 'completely' or 'entirely,' synonyms include totally, wholly, and utterly. 'Totally' is more informal and common in spoken English. 'Wholly' is more formal and often used in legal or academic contexts, such as 'The responsibility lies wholly with the board.' 'Utterly' is often used with negative adjectives to emphasize a sense of disaster or extremity, like 'utterly ridiculous' or 'utterly destroyed.' Another alternative is fully, which works well when describing states like 'fully aware' or 'fully informed.' When using 'altogether' to mean 'in total,' you might consider in all, all told, or in aggregate. 'In all' is a very common and slightly less formal way to state a sum: 'There were fifty people in all.' 'All told' is an idiomatic expression often used in storytelling or reporting: 'All told, the journey took six days.' 'In aggregate' is a highly technical term used in economics and statistics. If you are using 'altogether' to mean 'on the whole,' excellent alternatives are overall, generally, or all in all. 'Overall' is very versatile and works in almost any context. 'Generally' is useful when you want to describe a common trend rather than a specific sum. 'All in all' is a slightly more conversational way to summarize a situation: 'All in all, it was a good day.' Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your vocabulary and choose the word that best fits your audience. For instance, in a formal report, you might prefer 'wholly' or 'in aggregate.' In a chat with a friend, 'totally' or 'all in all' would be more appropriate. It's also worth noting the difference between 'altogether' and completely. While they are often interchangeable, 'altogether' can sometimes imply a judgment or a summary of different aspects, whereas 'completely' is a straightforward measure of degree. For example, 'The room was completely full' is a physical observation. 'The room was altogether too small' is a summary of the room's inadequacy for its purpose. By exploring these synonyms, you can see how 'altogether' sits at the center of a web of words that all deal with the concepts of wholeness and summation, each with its own unique flavor and usage rules.

Comparison: Altogether vs. Totally: 'Altogether' is more formal and evaluative; 'Totally' is more casual and direct.

Comparison: Altogether vs. In All: 'Altogether' can mean 'completely' or 'in total'; 'In all' specifically means 'in total' and is slightly less formal.

Comparison: Altogether vs. All in All: 'Altogether' is a single adverb; 'All in all' is a multi-word phrase used almost exclusively to summarize an experience.

The two projects are wholly independent of one another.

There were twenty applicants in all for the manager position.

Overall, the performance was satisfactory, though some improvements are needed.

The results were entirely consistent with our initial hypothesis.

Comparison: Altogether vs. Utterly: 'Utterly' is often more intense and used with words like 'impossible' or 'miserable'.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

By the 13th century, the two words began to merge into a single adverb to mean 'completely,' creating the distinction we use today.

发音指南

UK /ˌɔːl.təˈɡeð.ər/

US /ˌɑːl.təˈɡeð.ɚ/

The primary stress is on the third syllable: al-to-GETH-er.

押韵词

feather leather weather whether tether heather nether together

常见错误

Pronouncing it as two separate words with a pause: 'all... together'.
Failing to pronounce the 'th' sound clearly (it should be voiced like 'the').
Stressing the first syllable instead of the third.
Confusing the 'o' sound in the second syllable with an 'u' sound.
Missing the final 'r' sound in American English.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Easy to understand in context but can be confused with 'all together'.

写作 6/5

Requires careful spelling and knowledge of the 'one word vs two words' rule.

口语 4/5

Easy to say, but B2 level speakers use it more naturally for emphasis.

听力 3/5

Sounds the same as 'all together', so context is needed.

接下来学什么

前置知识

total together complete all different

接下来学习

entirely wholly comprehensive aggregate synthesis

高级

wholly utterly in aggregate all in all litotes

需要掌握的语法

Adverbs of Degree

Altogether modifies adjectives to show intensity (e.g., altogether different).

Sentence Adverbs

Altogether can modify a whole sentence to provide a summary (e.g., Altogether, it was a success).

Negation with Adverbs

Using 'not altogether' acts as a softener (e.g., I'm not altogether happy).

Word Order: Adverb Placement

Altogether usually follows the total amount it describes (e.g., ten people altogether).

Homophones and Spelling

Distinguishing between altogether (adverb) and all together (phrase).

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按水平分级的例句

I have five books altogether.

J'ai cinq livres au total.

Altogether comes after the noun and number here.

That is ten dollars altogether.

Cela fait dix dollars au total.

Used at the end of the sentence to show a total price.

We have three cats altogether.

Nous avons trois chats au total.

Altogether summarizes the number of cats.

Altogether, there are eight students.

Au total, il y a huit étudiants.

Used at the start to give a total number.

How much is it altogether?

Combien cela coûte-t-il au total ?

A common question to ask for a total price.

I have two sisters and one brother, so three siblings altogether.

J'ai deux sœurs et un frère, donc trois frères et sœurs au total.

Altogether summarizes the family members.

The bill is twenty pounds altogether.

L'addition s'élève à vingt livres au total.

Used to state the final amount on a bill.

There are twelve eggs altogether in the box.

Il y a douze œufs au total dans la boîte.

Altogether emphasizes the full count.

The movie was altogether very good.

Le film était tout à fait très bien.

Altogether means 'completely' or 'on the whole' here.

I stopped drinking soda altogether.

J'ai complètement arrêté de boire du soda.

Altogether means 'completely' and follows the verb/object.

Altogether, it was a very nice day.

Dans l'ensemble, c'était une très belle journée.

Used as a sentence adverb to summarize an experience.

The trip cost five hundred euros altogether.

Le voyage a coûté cinq cents euros au total.

Summarizes the total cost of an event.

I am not altogether happy with this.

Je ne suis pas tout à fait satisfait de cela.

A polite way to say 'not completely happy'.

We were seven people altogether in the car.

Nous étions sept personnes au total dans la voiture.

States the total number of people in a group.

The rain stopped altogether in the afternoon.

La pluie a complètement cessé l'après-midi.

Means the rain finished completely.

That is an altogether different story.

C'est une tout autre histoire.

Altogether modifies 'different' to mean 'completely'.

The situation is altogether more complex than we thought.

La situation est tout à fait plus complexe que nous le pensions.

Altogether intensifies the comparative adjective 'more complex'.

Altogether, the project took three months to complete.

Au total, le projet a pris trois mois pour être achevé.

Used to summarize the duration of a task.

I'm not altogether sure if I can come to the party.

Je ne suis pas tout à fait sûr de pouvoir venir à la fête.

A polite hedge used to express uncertainty.

He decided to give up his job altogether and travel.

Il a décidé de quitter son travail complètement et de voyager.

Emphasizes the total and final nature of the decision.

The new design is altogether better than the old one.

Le nouveau design est tout à fait meilleur que l'ancien.

Modifies 'better' to show a complete improvement.

There were forty people at the wedding altogether.

Il y avait quarante personnes au mariage au total.

Summarizes the total attendance.

The noise ceased altogether after midnight.

Le bruit a complètement cessé après minuit.

Indicates that the noise stopped completely.

Altogether, it was a successful year for the company.

Dans l'ensemble, ce fut une année fructueuse pour l'entreprise.

Summarizes the overall performance of the year.

The two problems are altogether unrelated.

Les deux problèmes sont tout à fait sans rapport.

Used as a formal intensifier meaning 'entirely'.

Altogether, the evidence suggests that the theory is correct.

Dans l'ensemble, les preuves suggèrent que la théorie est correcte.

Used to synthesize multiple pieces of information into a conclusion.

The company decided to cease operations in that region altogether.

L'entreprise a décidé de cesser complètement ses activités dans cette région.

Emphasizes the finality of the business decision.

It was an altogether unexpected turn of events.

Ce fut une tournure des événements tout à fait inattendue.

Modifies the adjective 'unexpected' to show totality.

The renovations cost fifty thousand dollars altogether.

Les rénovations ont coûté cinquante mille dollars au total.

Used to provide a final sum of expenses.

I am not altogether convinced by your argument.

Je ne suis pas tout à fait convaincu par votre argument.

A formal and polite way to express disagreement.

The film was altogether too violent for my taste.

Le film était tout à fait trop violent à mon goût.

Intensifies 'too violent' to express a strong opinion.

Altogether, there were ten candidates for the position.

Au total, il y avait dix candidats pour le poste.

Provides a final count of items or people.

The project was altogether more ambitious than anything they had attempted before.

Le projet était tout à fait plus ambitieux que tout ce qu'ils avaient tenté auparavant.

Used to emphasize the extreme degree of ambition.

Altogether, the findings represent a significant breakthrough in cancer research.

Dans l'ensemble, les résultats représentent une percée significative dans la recherche sur le cancer.

Used to provide a weighty summary of academic work.

He was not altogether pleased with the way the meeting had been handled.

Il n'était pas tout à fait satisfait de la manière dont la réunion avait été gérée.

A nuanced, understated way to express dissatisfaction.

The custom has disappeared altogether from modern society.

La coutume a complètement disparu de la société moderne.

Indicates the absolute and final disappearance of something.

It is an altogether different matter when human lives are at stake.

C'est une tout autre affaire quand des vies humaines sont en jeu.

Used to dismiss previous points as irrelevant to a more serious topic.

The total debt amounted to three million dollars altogether.

La dette totale s'élevait à trois millions de dollars au total.

Provides a definitive and formal sum of a large amount.

Altogether, the experience was profoundly transformative for all involved.

Dans l'ensemble, l'expérience a été profondément transformatrice pour toutes les personnes impliquées.

Summarizes the deep impact of an event.

The logic of the argument is altogether sound, despite the controversial conclusion.

La logique de l'argument est tout à fait saine, malgré la conclusion controversée.

Used to emphasize the complete validity of a concept.

The proposal was altogether dismissed as a fanciful whim of the director.

La proposition a été totalement rejetée comme une fantaisie du directeur.

Used to emphasize the absolute and somewhat scornful rejection.

Altogether, the data constitutes a formidable challenge to existing paradigms.

Dans l'ensemble, les données constituent un défi redoutable pour les paradigmes existants.

Provides a high-level synthesis of scientific evidence.

I found his lack of remorse altogether chilling.

J'ai trouvé son absence de remords tout à fait glaçante.

Used to intensify a strong emotional reaction.

The distinction between the two species is altogether blurred in this region.

La distinction entre les deux espèces est tout à fait floue dans cette région.

Indicates a total lack of clarity or separation.

Altogether, there were fifteen distinct instances of corruption cited in the report.

Au total, quinze cas distincts de corruption ont été cités dans le rapport.

Summarizes a precise number of findings in a formal context.

His performance was not altogether without merit, though it lacked technical precision.

Sa performance n'était pas tout à fait dénuée de mérite, bien qu'elle manquât de précision technique.

A highly nuanced and balanced critical evaluation.

The practice of dueling was abandoned altogether by the late nineteenth century.

La pratique du duel a été complètement abandonnée à la fin du XIXe siècle.

Emphasizes the historical finality of a social change.

Altogether, the symphony is a monumental achievement of the late romantic era.

Dans l'ensemble, la symphonie est une réalisation monumentale de la fin de l'ère romantique.

Used to provide a definitive aesthetic judgment.

近义词

completely entirely totally utterly wholly fully

反义词

partially partly somewhat

常见搭配

altogether different

stop altogether

altogether too

not altogether

cost altogether

altogether successful

cease altogether

altogether new

altogether plausible

ten people altogether

常用短语

Altogether, it was...

— Used to start a summary of an experience.

Altogether, it was a very productive week.

...altogether different.

— Used to emphasize that there is no similarity.

Living in the city is altogether different from the country.

Stop it altogether.

— To end an activity completely and permanently.

You need to stop eating junk food altogether.

Not altogether sure.

— A polite way to say you have doubts.

I'm not altogether sure that's a good idea.

How much altogether?

— Asking for the total price of several items.

With the tax, how much is it altogether?

Altogether too much.

— Used to say something is excessive.

That is altogether too much work for one person.

Altogether better.

— Significantly and completely improved.

The new version of the app is altogether better.

Disappear altogether.

— To vanish completely.

The symptoms disappeared altogether after a few days.

Altogether wrong.

— Completely incorrect in every way.

Your assumption was altogether wrong.

Altogether now!

— A common phrase used to tell a group of people to start doing something at the same time (note: often used where 'all together' is technically correct, but 'altogether' is sometimes seen in informal cues).

'Altogether now, one, two, three, sing!'

容易混淆的词

altogether vs all together

Means 'in a group' or 'at the same time'. Example: 'They sang all together.'

altogether vs together

Means 'with each other'. Example: 'We work together.'

altogether vs all

Means 'every one'. Example: 'All the people are here.'

习语与表达

"in the altogether"

— An informal and slightly old-fashioned way to say 'naked.'

The artist preferred to paint his subjects in the altogether.

Informal/Euphemistic

"not altogether there"

— Informal way to suggest someone is crazy or not thinking clearly.

Poor old Mr. Smith is not altogether there these days.

Informal

"altogether too [adjective]"

— Used for strong emphasis on an excessive quality.

The weather was altogether too hot for a hike.

Neutral

"give up altogether"

— To quit something completely.

I've decided to give up sugar altogether.

Neutral

"altogether different ball game"

— A situation that is completely different from the current one.

Managing a large team is an altogether different ball game.

Informal/Idiomatic

"altogether plausible"

— Something that is completely believable.

His excuse was altogether plausible, so we didn't question him.

Neutral

"not altogether unhappy"

— A form of litotes (understatement) meaning quite happy.

I was not altogether unhappy to see him leave.

Literary

"altogether another matter"

— Used to say a topic is separate and shouldn't be discussed now.

The cost is altogether another matter.

Neutral

"altogether elsewhere"

— To be completely focused on something else.

Her mind was altogether elsewhere during the lecture.

Neutral

"altogether too easy"

— To suggest something was suspiciously simple.

Winning the game was altogether too easy.

Neutral

容易混淆

altogether vs all together

They sound identical and look similar.

'Altogether' is an adverb meaning 'completely' or 'in total.' 'All together' is a phrase meaning 'in a group.'

We are all together (in a group). That's $10 altogether (in total).

altogether vs completely

They share the same meaning of totality.

'Altogether' is often more formal and can also mean 'in total,' which 'completely' cannot.

He was altogether/completely wrong. I have $5 altogether (not completely).

altogether vs overall

Both are used to summarize a situation.

'Overall' gives a general sense, while 'altogether' often implies a sum of specific parts.

Overall, I like the car. Altogether, we spent $20,000 on it.

altogether vs entirely

Both mean 'completely.'

'Entirely' is more common as a direct modifier of adjectives; 'altogether' is more common for summaries and totals.

I entirely agree. There were six of us altogether.

altogether vs totally

Both mean 'completely.'

'Totally' is very informal; 'altogether' is more formal and versatile.

That's totally cool! The results were altogether unexpected.

句型

[Number] + [Noun] + altogether.

Ten students altogether.

It was altogether [Adjective].

It was altogether fun.

I'm not altogether [Adjective].

I'm not altogether happy.

Altogether, [Sentence].

Altogether, it was a good day.

[Verb] + altogether.

Stop smoking altogether.

An altogether [Adjective] [Noun].

An altogether different situation.

Altogether [Comparative Adjective].

Altogether more complex.

Altogether [Verb Past Participle].

Altogether dismissed.

词族

如何使用

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English, especially in summary and retail contexts.

常见错误

Using 'altogether' to mean a group of people. → Use 'all together'.
'Altogether' is about degree or total sum. 'All together' is about being in the same place.
Spelling it as 'alltogether'. → Spelling it as 'altogether'.
The adverb form only has one 'L' at the beginning.
Using 'altogether' instead of 'together'. → Use 'together'.
'Altogether' means completely, not 'with each other'.
Misplacing 'altogether' in a sentence. → Place it before the adjective or at the end for totals.
While flexible, 'altogether' sounds best when modifying the word it is closest to.
Using 'altogether' as a noun. → Use it as an adverb.
It describes how something is done or to what extent, it is not a person, place, or thing.

小贴士

The 'L' Rule

Remember that 'altogether' has only one 'L' at the start. If you write 'alltogether,' it is a spelling mistake.

Check with 'Completely'

If you can replace the word with 'completely' and it makes sense, use 'altogether.' If you mean 'in a group,' use 'all together.'

Softening Criticism

Use 'not altogether' to make your criticism sound more professional and less aggressive in meetings.

Concluding Essays

Start your final paragraph with 'Altogether,' to signal to the reader that you are summarizing your main points.

Shopping Tip

When shopping in the UK, expect to hear 'altogether' when the cashier tells you the total price.

Avoid Ambiguity

If a sentence could be confused with 'all together,' try using 'entirely' or 'in total' instead to be 100% clear.

Stress the GETH

Focus on the third syllable when speaking. A-l-t-o-GETH-er. This makes the word easier for others to recognize.

Financial Reporting

Use 'altogether' when summarizing different costs into one final budget figure in reports.

Vary Your Vocabulary

Don't use 'altogether' too much. Use 'wholly' or 'utterly' for variety in formal writing.

The Math Trick

Think of 'altogether' as the '=' sign in a math problem. It brings everything to a final result.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think: 'A-L-T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R' is 'All-Total-Gether.' It has one 'L' because it's a 'Total' summary of one thing.

视觉联想

Imagine a calculator adding up a long list of numbers. When you hit the '=' button, the result is the 'altogether' amount.

Word Web

Total Complete Entire Summary Whole Absolute Sum All

挑战

Write three sentences: one about a total cost, one about stopping a habit, and one summarizing your week using 'altogether'.

词源

Derived from the Old English words 'eall' (all) and 'togædere' (together).

原始含义： Originally, it literally meant 'all in one group' or 'everything together.'

Germanic (Old English roots).

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, though 'in the altogether' is a euphemism for nudity and should be used with appropriate awareness of the social context.

Common in formal reports and casual retail transactions.

The phrase 'Altogether now' is famously used by conductors and in the Beatles' song 'All Together Now' (though the song uses the two-word version). In the movie 'Airplane!', there is a famous joke involving the phrase 'in the altogether.' Classical literature often uses 'altogether' to describe a character's complete transformation.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Shopping and Money

That's twenty dollars altogether.
How much is it altogether?
The total cost altogether is...
Altogether, I spent fifty.

Summarizing an Event

Altogether, it was a great day.
Altogether, the trip was fun.
The experience was altogether positive.
Altogether, we had a good time.

Expressing Certainty

I'm altogether sure about this.
It is an altogether different matter.
The results were altogether expected.
I agree altogether.

Stopping a Habit

I've quit smoking altogether.
She stopped eating meat altogether.
They ceased operations altogether.
Give it up altogether.

Describing Excess

It was altogether too loud.
The task was altogether too hard.
It's altogether too late now.
The room was altogether too small.

对话开场白

"Altogether, how many people do you think will attend the conference next week?"

"Do you think it's possible to give up social media altogether in this day and age?"

"Altogether, was your last vacation what you expected it to be?"

"Is there a habit you have stopped altogether recently?"

"Altogether, do you prefer working from home or in an office environment?"

日记主题

Reflect on your week. Altogether, what was the most significant thing that happened to you?

If you had to change your lifestyle altogether, what would be the first thing you would do?

Think about your favorite book or movie. Why was it altogether better than others in the same genre?

Altogether, how much progress have you made in your English learning journey this year?

Describe a situation that was altogether different from what you had originally planned.

常见问题

10 个问题

It is one word when it means 'completely' or 'in total.' It is two words ('all together') when it means 'everyone in a group.' For example, 'The bill was $50 altogether,' but 'The family was all together.'

Yes, you can use it at the start to mean 'on the whole' or 'considering everything.' When you do this, it is usually followed by a comma. Example: 'Altogether, it was a very successful event.'

While they often mean the same thing, 'altogether' can also mean 'in total' (referring to a sum), which 'completely' cannot. 'Altogether' is also slightly more formal.

No, the adverb 'altogether' is always spelled with only one 'L' at the beginning. The phrase 'all together' uses two 'L's in the word 'all.'

Yes, it is considered more formal than 'totally' or 'completely.' It is very common in academic writing, business reports, and formal speech.

Usually, no. 'Together' means 'with each other.' 'Altogether' means 'completely' or 'in total.' You wouldn't say 'We went to the park altogether' if you mean you went with a friend.

It is a polite way of saying 'not completely' or 'not quite.' For example, 'I'm not altogether happy' means you are somewhat unhappy but are being polite.

It is pronounced al-to-GETH-er, with the stress on the third syllable. The 'th' is voiced, like the 'th' in 'the.'

No, it is primarily an adverb. There is a rare noun 'altogetherness,' but 'altogether' itself is not a noun, despite some learners' confusion.

Use it at the end when you are stating a final sum or count. Example: 'There were twenty people there altogether.'

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