A1pronoun 1K

Lot

UK /["/lɒt/"]/ US /["/lɑːt/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a large number or amount

Listen to definition

In simple words: A large amount or number of something.

Examples

• ‘How many do you need?’ ‘A lot.’
• Have some more cake. There's lots left.
• He has invited nearly a hundred people but a lot aren't able to come.
• I have a lot to do today.
• She still has **an awful lot** *(= a very large amount)* to learn.

Usage notes

Use 'lot' in casual conversations to express quantity or degree. It's less formal than terms like 'a great deal' or 'many'. Avoid in academic writing.

Grammar pattern

quantifier + noun

Memory hint

Imagine a large parking lot filled with cars to remember 'lot'.

Collocations

• a lot of
• lot to do
• lot going on

Synonyms

• many
• a lot
• plenty
• numerous
• scores

Antonyms

• little
• few

Common mistakes

• Using 'lot' when referring to a single item or a smaller quantity.
• Confusing 'lot' with 'lot's' meaning possession.
• Mispronouncing 'lot' as 'lot's' or 'lots' when using it as a quantifier.