Alot or A Lot Grammar

Alot or a lot grammar explanations may be difficult to come by. This is because alot is not actually a word!

But for some reason learners of English have come to believe that it can be used. Let's though take a look at alot vs a lot.

A Lot

With this word combination you have:

  • an article (a)
  • and a noun (lot)

Lot in this context is defined as 'large in amount'. It can be used in two main ways. 

A large amount or number of people or things



Examples:

  • I ate a lot yesterday
  • A lot of people came to my birthday party
  • I think we wasted a lot of time thinking about it

Very often or very much 



Examples:

  • She swears a lot
  • She visited my house a lot last week 
  • I've got a lot more revising to do

Alot

As noted above, this word does not actually exist so it is not possible to give any examples or explain whether to use alot or alot!


Summary of Alot or A Lot Grammar


So to summarise, when thinking about alot or a lot grammar, you should always use the words a lot

This is because alot does not exist as a word. 

It's not clear why these words may be confused. It's possible that people are thinking of the word allot. That word means "to give something, especially a share of something available, for a particular purpose".

  • The Ministry of Defence was allotted 20% of the budget this year
  • I've been allotted an hour to finish this


More Confusing Words:

  • Deciding whether to say people are or is in English grammar can be confusing but the explanation is in the difference between the plural and the singular.

    People Are or Is Grammar Explanation with Examples

    Deciding whether to say people are or is in English grammar can be confusing but the explanation is in the difference between the plural and the singular.

  • Backward can be an adverb or an adjective. As an adjective it means regressive or undeveloped. As an adverb it indicates direction. So those are the Backward vs Backwards grammar differences. The 's' arises with differences between the US and the British Spellings.

    Backward vs Backwards Grammar Differences Explained

    Backward can be an adverb or an adjective. As an adjective it means regressive or undeveloped. As an adverb it indicates direction. So those are the Backward vs Backwards grammar differences. The 's' arises with differences between the US and the British Spellings.

  • The difference between affect and effect is that while one is a noun, the other is a verb. So this will influence where you place the word in your sentence.

    Difference between affect and effect: Verb or Noun?

    The difference between affect and effect is that while one is a noun, the other is a verb. So this will influence where you place the word in your sentence.

  • The past tense of feel is felt. We don't say feeled as feel is an irregular verb which means that it doesn't  follow the usual pattern of past simple verbs.

    Past Tense of Feel: Choosing feel or felt

    The past tense of feel is felt. We don't say feeled as feel is an irregular verb which means that it doesn't follow the usual pattern of past simple verbs.

  • This lesson examines titled versus entitled. The words are very different in meaning so it's important to know which is correct.

    Titled Versus Entitled: How to Choose

    This lesson examines titled versus entitled. The words are very different in meaning so it's important to know which is correct.

  • Take an either or neither quiz to test your knowledge on these two words and to improve your grammar.

    Either or Neither Quiz

    Take an either or neither quiz to test your knowledge on these two words and to improve your grammar.

  • Is it complement or compliment? One refers to enhancing something, the other expresses praise or admiration.

    Is it complement or compliment?

    Is it complement or compliment? One refers to enhancing something, the other expresses praise or admiration.

  • Should you use anyway or anyways? Anyway is an adverb that has two meanings. One is 'regardless', the other is to indicate that you are returning to talk about some thing you were talking about before. Anyways has the same meanings but it is very informal English.

    Anyway or Anyways Grammar. What's the difference?

    Should you use anyway or anyways? Anyway is an adverb that has two meanings. One is 'regardless', the other is to indicate that you are returning to talk about some thing you were talking about before. Anyways has the same meanings but it is very informal English.

  • Confused about whether to use drank or drunk? Drunk is actually the past participle used with the verb 'have'. So 'I have drunk a lot tonight'. 'Drank' is simply the past simple: 'I drank a lot last night'.

    Drank or Drunk: Advice on which to choose

    Confused about whether to use drank or drunk? Drunk is actually the past participle used with the verb 'have'. So 'I have drunk a lot tonight'. 'Drank' is simply the past simple: 'I drank a lot last night'.

  • Learn about to vs too. To is used as a preposition and to indicate moving towards something. Too means excessive or also. These two words are commonly confusing for English learners. To vs Too grammar mistakes will be noticeable so it's important to understand them.

    To vs Too: What is the difference?

    Learn about to vs too. To is used as a preposition and to indicate moving towards something. Too means excessive or also. These two words are commonly confusing for English learners. To vs Too grammar mistakes will be noticeable so it's important to understand them.

  • The past tense of fit can be either fit or fitted as it very much depends on whether it's being used in American English or British English.

    Past Tense of Fit - Explanation and Examples

    The past tense of fit can be either fit or fitted as it very much depends on whether it's being used in American English or British English.

  • Be / get used to is used to talk about something that one is familiar with or accustomed to. There are slight difference between 'be' and 'get'.

    Be / Get Used to: Learn the Differences

    Be / get used to is used to talk about something that one is familiar with or accustomed to. There are slight difference between 'be' and 'get'.

  • In using the past tense of hang, there is often confusion over whether to use hanged or hung. Here we will explain the differences and which one is correct.

    Past tense of hang - Explanation and examples

    In using the past tense of hang, there is often confusion over whether to use hanged or hung. Here we will explain the differences and which one is correct.

  • Simple rules for its or it's: "It's" with the apostrophe is the shortened form of "it is" or "it has":  "It's (it is) hot today"; "It's (it has) been a long time since I saw you". "Its" on the other hand indicates the possessive: "The company increased its wages".

    Its or It's: Grammar rules to know the difference

    Simple rules for its or it's: "It's" with the apostrophe is the shortened form of "it is" or "it has": "It's (it is) hot today"; "It's (it has) been a long time since I saw you". "Its" on the other hand indicates the possessive: "The company increased its wages".






New! Comments

Any questions or comments about the grammar discussed on this page?

Post your comment here.