Three grammar tips for today:
- Use “all together” when you mean “together in a single group”: “We were able to walk all together.” Use “altogether” when you mean “in all” or “completely”: “There were 10 of us altogether, counting Ed.” Or, “He was altogether confused by the situation.”
- The letters “ATM” stand for “automated teller machine.” Saying that you’re going to the ATM machine is, therefore, redundant. Just say you’re going to the ATM.
- Use the modifier “only” with precision. It’s not precise to say, “The budget can only be balanced if programs are cut.” Instead, say, “The budget can be balanced only if programs are cut.”
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