Alot, A Lot, or Allot?

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

"Alot" and "a lot" are often misused by writers. "Alot" is a misspelling of "a lot" (unless you mean the town of Alot in India). "A lot" means "a large extent" or "to a large extent." For example:

• I have seen alot of things in my life.
• I have seen a lot of things in my life.

Bear in mind there is also "to allot." The verb "to allot" means "to share out," "to allocate," or "to apportion." For example:

• We allot one Sherpa to each climbing team.

Alot in India

There is a town in India called "Alot." As it's a name, it's always written with a capital letter. The word "alot" with a lowercase "a" does not exist in English.

Examples in Sentences

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."

Examples of "a lot" in sentences:

• 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.)

To 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.")

Examples of "allot" in sentences:

• 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.

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.

British English and American English

The spelling of "a lot" has nothing to do with the differences between British English and American English. It is two words in both versions.

• I know alot of things. () ()
• I know a lot of things. () ()

A Video Summary

Here is a short video summarizing the difference between "alot," "a lot," and "allot." video lesson

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