Teachers, I need your help

[RL]

What's the difference between "a lot" and "alot" and What's the appropriate use of each?! It's quite confusing. Thanks!

 

[Francois]

Nice question, and surprising answer to me:

Although a lot of people write it, no such word as alot exists in English. Whether it is "a lot of fun" or "I like you a lot," a lot is always two words. The verdict on alright is less clear. The American Heritage Dictionary (click here) states that alright is generally not all right. The Merriam-Webster Collegiate, however, tends to give some approval to alright (click here). We believe, however, that there is still no strong consensus for using, or need to use, alright.

Perhaps this common spelling error began because there does exist in English a word spelled “allot” which is a verb meaning to apportion or grant. The correct form, with “a” and “lot” separated by a space is perhaps not often encountered in print because formal writers usually use other expressions such as “a great deal,” “often,” etc. If you can’t remember the rule, just remind yourself that just as you wouldn’t write “alittle” you shouldn’t write “alot.”

I've always thought that 'alot' was correct, if UK probably.

Anyway, RL, you have a lot of charm

FRC

 

[RL]

Nice question, and surprising answer to me:

Although a lot of people write it, no such word as alot exists in English. Whether it is "a lot of fun" or "I like you a lot," a lot is always two words. The verdict on alright is less clear. The American Heritage Dictionary (click here) states that alright is generally not all right. The Merriam-Webster Collegiate, however, tends to give some approval to alright (click here). We believe, however, that there is still no strong consensus for using, or need to use, alright.

Perhaps this common spelling error began because there does exist in English a word spelled “allot” which is a verb meaning to apportion or grant. The correct form, with “a” and “lot” separated by a space is perhaps not often encountered in print because formal writers usually use other expressions such as “a great deal,” “often,” etc. If you can’t remember the rule, just remind yourself that just as you wouldn’t write “alittle” you shouldn’t write “alot.”

I've always thought that 'alot' was correct, if UK probably.

Anyway, RL, you have a lot of charm

FRC

Thanks a lot, Francois! :wink:

 

[Tdol]

It's incorrect in the UK, though you will see it used. 'Alright' is generally accepted. I imagine that it will become accepted, but not yet. ;-)

 

[Casiopea]

Here's a trick to remembering that a lot is made up of two words: you can place a whole word between 'a' and 'lot', like this, a whole lot of fun!

 

[Tdol]

That's a neat way of making it clear. Thanks.;-)

 

[Francois]

Well, I actually had to force myself to sometimes write it in a single word, as I've always found the two-word form more natural. So this won't be a difficult habit to get out of.

FRC

 

[Casiopea]

Well, I actually had to force myself to sometimes write it in a single word, as I've always found the two-word form more natural. So this won't be a difficult habit to get out of.

FRC

I'm curious to know why you felt you had to write a lot as one word in the first place.

 

[Francois]

I suppose I saw native or fluent speakers use it many times eg. on the internet. It looked to me like one of these BE peculiarities. And as I try to use actively most of the vocabulary I learn...

FRC

 

[RL]

Here's a trick to remembering that a lot is made up of two words: you can place a whole word between 'a' and 'lot', like this, a whole lot of fun!

Thanks, Casiopea!

 

[Casiopea]

Here's a trick to remembering that a lot is made up of two words: you can place a whole word between 'a' and 'lot', like this, a whole lot of fun!

Thanks, Casiopea!

You're welcome, RL.