Alot, A Lot, or Allot?

by Craig Shrives

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. wrong cross
  • 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. correct tick
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. correct tick

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. correct tick
    • ("Lot" is a noun in this example.)
  • He cheats a lot. correct tick
    • ("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. correct tick
  • I will allot a radio to each group. correct tick
  • You need to allot each syndicate sufficient time to question the presenter. correct tick

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. wrong cross
  • I know a lot about precious stones. correct tick
Note: "Alot" does exist as a proper noun. It is a town in India.
alot, a lot, or allot?

A Video Summary

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

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? How to write "dos and don'ts" who's or whose? List of easily confused words