Word
a lot of
Definition
fixed phrase. a large number or amount of something. You use this for both things you can count, like people, and things you cannot count, like water.
fixed phrase. a quantifier indicating a large quantity or number. It functions as a determiner and is compatible with both plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns.
Examples
“There are a lot of people at the party.”
“I have a lot of work to finish before I can go home for the weekend.”
“The researchers gathered a lot of data over the course of the three-year longitudinal study to ensure the results were statistically significant.”
Examples
simple
“There are a lot of people at the party.”
contextual
“I have a lot of work to finish before I can go home for the weekend.”
complex
“The researchers gathered a lot of data over the course of the three-year longitudinal study to ensure the results were statistically significant.”
Usage
more common in speech and informal writing than 'many' or 'much'.
Teaching tip
teach this as a 'safe' quantifier for beginners because it works with both countable and uncountable nouns, unlike 'many' or 'much'.
Pitfall
alot of
a lot of
'a lot' is always two words; 'alot' is a common spelling error even among native speakers.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/a-lot-of