Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. In today's blog post, we will discuss the difference between a lot vs. alot. Do you know when to use each one?
The grammar and spelling nerds out there are squirming in their seats right now, exclaiming ...
"Only one of those is actually a real word!!!"
And they're right. But somehow ... some way, the "a lot vs. alot" debate continues to be a tough nut to crack in the English language. So let's clear up any confusion right now, shall we?
Don't worry, my fellow grammarians and spell checkers!! I've got your back!
In case you didn't know, "alot" (one word) is not a word. If you're trying to say a lot, an informal way to express a large amount or quantity of something, then you need to write it as two words. The article "a" and the noun "lot" should never be combined, just as you would never write adog, abunch, abike, or agame.
Here are a few examples:
* I like you a lot.
* I wrote a lot today.
* There were a lot of fans at the game.
* You wasted a lot of time driving out here.
* I ate a lot of pizza last night.
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STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.