Definition

Adverb 1. As a single, unified group; collectively: Used to describe a situation where members of a group are acting, being acted upon, or considered as one combined unit. The words "all" and "together" can often be separated by other words in a sentence. 2. Simultaneously; at the same time: Used to indicate that multiple actions or events happen concurrently.

Examples of Usage

• As a unified group:
  • The team worked all together to finish the project.
  • They were herded all together into the main hall. (This can also be phrased as: They were all herded together.)
  • The children sang all together.
• Simultaneously:
  • The audience shouted their approval all together.
  • Let's start the race all together on the count of three.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is flexible. The words "all" and "together" can be separated by other sentence elements, especially verbs.
  • The players were all gathered together by the coach.
  • We must all stand together on this issue.
• It is often used to emphasize unity and joint action.

Variants and Related Words

• Altogether (Adverb): This is a single word with a different meaning. It means "completely" or "in total."
  • That is an altogether different problem. (Meaning: a completely different problem)
  • There were ten people altogether. (Meaning: in total, ten people)
  • CRITICAL NOTE: Do not confuse "all together" (as a group) with "altogether" (completely/in total).

Synonyms

• Collectively
• As one
• As a group
• En masse
• In unison (especially for the "simultaneously" meaning)
• At once (for the "simultaneously" meaning)

Related Phrases

• All at once: This phrase is a direct synonym for the "simultaneously" meaning of "all together."
  • The crowd cheered all at once.
• In concert: Acting together in a coordinated way.
  • The various departments worked in concert to launch the product.

Notes on Meaning

The two core meanings are closely related. The primary sense is the collective action of a group ("we did it all together"). From this, the sense of things happening at the same time naturally follows ("we shouted all together"). The key is that it refers to the combined state or action of all members of a defined group.

Adverb

1. used of a group whose members acted or were acted upon collectively and when `all' and `together' can be separated by other words
   • they were herded all together
   • they were all herded together
   • the books lay all together in a heap
   • the books all lay together...
2. all at the same time
   • Let's say `Yes!' all at once