English As A Second Language

Free English Materials & Resources To Help You Improve Your English

 
  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size

How to Tell the Difference Between Alot, Allot and A Lot

(1 vote, average 3.00 out of 5)

Alot, Allot and A Lot

A commonly made error in English is the mixing up of the words alot, allot and a lot. In fact, the word "alot" does not even exist. Read on to perfect your usage of these words.

 chalkboard07

Multi-lingual community for ESL learners. Provides resources for ESL teachers and students including job listings, daily lessons, podcasts, conversation topics, reading materials, and opportunities to connect with a native English speaker to practice your skills.

bt-attention-48x48Rule of thumb:

  1. Use the informal phrase "a lot" when you wish to describe the quantity. There is no such word as "alot" - it is always two words, referring to the quantity. For example:
    • I have a lot of money
    • I have a lot of time
    • I have a lot of Bratz dolls
    • I like you a lot
  2. Use "allot" when you are referring to giving out, apportioning, dividing or granting something. For example:
    • He was allotted three feet of space to set up his art stall.
  3. Multi-lingual community for ESL learners. Provides resources for ESL teachers and students including job listings, daily lessons, podcasts, conversation topics, reading materials, and opportunities to connect with a native English speaker to practice your skills.

interrogation_badgeHint

1. Another helpful way to remember is to insert an adjective in between the two words, for example, a sizeable lot.

2. Turn on your spellchecker, and you will see it underlines alot.

3. Substitute "a lot" with formal words and phrases, such as "a great deal", "many", "much", "enormous quantities of" etc. If you are using a more formal writing style, "a lot" is considered to be informal (colloquial) and should be avoided in formal writing contexts.

4. Learn a lot of English grammar, and you'll be a great writer. Well, there is more to it, of course, but this is always a solid foundation that will help you to enjoy the language and all it has to offer a good writer.
edu_iconAdvanced learners
Practice makes perfect. Don't use "a lot" too often.

 

wikihow

 

 


Popular of Late