lot

[joeoct]

Hi,

Is it better not to use a lot of and lots of when writing (as they are quite informal)?

Also, what does the "lot" mean in this context:

"He and his lot..."

Maybe "he and his company"?

Thanks

[Hedwig]

Hi,

Is it better not to use a lot of and lots of when writing (as they are quite informal)?

Some years ago I was told by native speakers that a lot of is not as informal as we non-natives believe, and that it's quite acceptable in writing.

Also, what does the "lot" mean in this context:

"He and his lot..."

Maybe "he and his company"?
Yes, it means he and his kind, he and the sort of people like him, or the sort of people he mixes with. Uncle Vernon does refer to Harry Potter and the magical community as "he and his lot" in a derogatory way.

Thanks

Not a teacher

[joeoct]

Nice one, Hedwig.