Altogether vs Totally
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Altogether | Totally | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Completely or in total. | Completely or very much. |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'altogether' when you want to emphasize a total amount. Avoid in very formal writing; 'in total' might be better. | Use 'totally' to emphasize an absolute degree of something. It's neutral but can sound informal in some contexts. Avoid in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Altogether vs Totally
What's the difference between "Altogether" and "Totally"?
"Altogether" means: Completely or in total. "Totally" means: Completely or very much.
When should I use "Altogether" and "Totally"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Altogether" and "Totally" the same CEFR level?
"Altogether" is at B2, "Totally" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.