a lot of

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العربية الفصحى
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/ə ˈlɑt əv/
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A large number or amount of something.
Practice using a lot of in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Do you have a lot of homework tonight?
  • She drinks a lot of water after running.
  • He spent a lot of time on the picture.
  • There are a lot of books in this room.
  • We met a lot of people at the party.

Similar words

lots of
plenty of

Meanings

Large quantity

quantity
neutral
A large number of people or things, or a large amount of something.

Examples

  • There are a lot of books in this room.
  • She drinks a lot of water after running.
  • We met a lot of people at the party.
  • Do you have a lot of homework tonight?
  • He spent a lot of time on the picture.

Similar words

lots of
plenty of

Etymology

A lot originally names a share or group. The fixed expression uses it to mean a large quantity.

FAQ

What does a lot of mean?

It means a large number or amount.

Can a lot of be used with countable nouns?

Yes. You can say a lot of books or a lot of people.

Can a lot of be used with uncountable nouns?

Yes. You can say a lot of water or a lot of time.

Is a lot of formal?

It is common in everyday speech and ordinary writing.

What is the difference between a lot of and a lot?

Use a lot of before a noun. A lot can stand alone or modify a verb.

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