The difference between alot, a lot and allot</font> (grammar lesson)


alot, a lot and allot - the difference

The word alot does not exist. 'A lot' means a large extent or to a large extent (more below). 'To allot' means to apportion something (more below).

There is often confusion over the words 'alot', 'a lot' and 'allot'.

Alot

This word does not exist. It is often mistakenly written instead of "a lot".

I know alot about precious stones.

I know a lot about precious stones.

A lot

The term 'a lot' is the opposite of 'a little'. As a noun, 'lot' means a large extent, a large amount or a large number. As an adverb, 'lot' means 'to a great extent' or 'to a great degree'. It nearly always appears in the form 'a lot'.

Mark has a lot of toys.

(Lot is a noun in this example.)

He cheats a lot.

(Lot is an adverb in this example.)

Allot

The verb 'to allot' means 'to give out', 'to apportion', 'to divide' or 'to distribute'. (Other forms of the verb are allots, allotted and allotting.)

The peasant was allotted just 25m² to grow his monster pumpkins.

I will allot a radio to each group.

You need to allot each syndicate sufficient time to question the presenter.

LOT CAN BE A NOUN OR AN ADVERB

Noun. The noun lot means a large extent, large amount or large number. It is most often seen in the form a lot.

I know a lot of cool pubs in Brighton.

I know a bunch of cool pubs in Brighton.
(Evidence that lot is a noun - just like bunch.)

Adverb. The adverb lot means to a great degree or great extent. It is most often seen in the form a lot.

I run a lot.

I run regularly.
(Evidence that lot is an adverb - just like regularly.)