B1pronoun2K

Plenty

UK /["/ˈplenti/"]/US /["/ˈplenti/"]/

Definition

a large amount; as much or as many as you need

In simple words: A lot of something; more than enough.

Examples

  • plenty of eggs/money/time
  • ‘Do we need more milk?’ ‘No, there's plenty in the fridge.’
  • They always gave us plenty to eat.
  • We had plenty to talk about.

Usage notes

Use 'plenty' in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate for casual conversations but can also be used in slightly formal contexts. Avoid using it in highly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

plenty + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of a full plate of food, you have plenty to eat.

Collocations

  • plenty of options
  • plenty of time
  • plenty of food

Synonyms

  • abundance
  • a lot
  • many
  • numerous
  • copious

Antonyms

  • scarcity
  • lack
  • insufficiency

Common mistakes

  • Using 'plenty' with uncountable nouns instead of 'a lot of'.
  • Confusing 'plenty' with 'plentiful'.
  • Incorrectly placing 'plenty' before a verb.