What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
altogether
Example
Altogether, there were 20 people at the party. [altogether: adverb]
Example
I decided to quit altogether and focus on something else. [altogether: adverb]
Example
The idea was altogether too risky to pursue. [altogether: adjective]
wholly
Example
The project was wholly successful. [wholly: adverb]
Example
She was wholly devoted to her family. [wholly: adverb]
Example
The company has a wholly unique approach to marketing. [wholly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Altogether is more common in everyday language than wholly, as it has a wider range of uses and contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between altogether and wholly?
Both altogether and wholly are relatively formal words, but altogether may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
