Alot, A Lot, or Allot?

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Should I write "alot" or "a lot"?

"Alot" and "a lot" are often misused by writers.

• Alot. "Alot" is a misspelling of "a lot" (unless you mean the town of Alot in India). For example:
• I have seen alot of things in my life.
• A Lot. "A lot" means a large extent or to a large extent. For example:
• I have seen a lot of things in my life.

Bear in mind there is also "to allot":

• Allot. The verb "to allot" means to share out or to apportion. For example:
• We allot one Sherpa to each climbing team.

More about "A Lot," "Alot," and "Allot"

The most common mistake involving these words is writing "alot" instead of "a lot." Remember that the word "alot" does not exist (unless you mean the Indian town of Alot).

Alot in India

There is a town in India called "Alot." That aside, the word "alot" does not exist in English.

More about "A Lot"

"A lot" is the opposite of a little.

When used as a noun, "a lot" means a large extent, a large amount, or a large number. As an adverb, "a lot" means to a great extent or to a great degree.

Here are some examples of "a lot" in a sentence:

• Mark has a lot of toys.
("Lot" is a noun in this example.)
• He cheats a lot.
("A lot" is an adverb in this example.)

More about "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.")

Here are some examples of "allot" in a sentence:

• The peasant was allotted just 25m² to grow his pumpkins.
• I will allot a radio to each group.
• You need to allot each syndicate sufficient time to question the presenter.

More about "Alot"

The word "alot" does not exist. It is often mistakenly written instead of "a lot." For example:

• I know alot about precious stones.
• I know a lot about precious stones.

Note: "Alot" does exist as a proper noun. It is a town in India.

A Video Summary

Here is a short video summarizing the difference between "Alot." "A Lot," and "Allot."

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