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a lot

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ə ˈlɑːt/ · UK /ə ˈlɒt/

a lot means: A large amount or number of something.

pronoun

LARGE AMOUNTA1

A large amount or number of something.

  • We have a lot of time.
  • She bought a lot of books yesterday.
  • Do you need a lot of help?

How to use it: a lot of + plural or uncountable noun (There are a lot of apples in the basket.)

Similar words: plenty, a great deal

Opposites: a little

Common phrases: a lot of something, a lot of people, a lot happened, learn a lot

adverb

VERY MUCHA1

To a great degree or by a large amount.

  • Thanks a lot for your help.
  • I like this song a lot.
  • The new tickets cost a lot more.

How to use it: a lot + comparative (This room is a lot bigger than ours.)

Similar words: very much, a great deal

Opposites: a little

Common phrases: a lot better, help a lot

OFTENA1

Many times or on many occasions.

  • We walk here a lot.
  • She called a lot last summer.
  • Do you eat out a lot?

Similar words: often, frequently

Opposites: rarely

Common phrases: travel a lot, visit a lot

phrase

LARGE AMOUNTA1

A large amount or number of something.

  • There is a lot of food.
  • We met a lot of friendly people.
  • Did you spend a lot of money?

How to use it: a lot of + plural or uncountable noun (He drinks a lot of water.)

Similar words: plenty, a great deal

Opposites: a little

Common phrases: a lot of something, a lot of work

VERY MUCHA1

To a great degree or by a large amount.

  • I miss you a lot.
  • Your advice helped me a lot.
  • Is this phone a lot cheaper than yours?

How to use it: a lot + comparative (The journey was a lot shorter this time.)

Similar words: very much, a great deal

Opposites: a little

Common phrases: a lot easier, enjoy something a lot

OFTENA1

Many times or on many occasions.

  • He visits us a lot.
  • We played cards a lot during the holiday.
  • Have you been travelling a lot lately?

Similar words: often, frequently

Opposites: rarely

Common phrases: go there a lot, read a lot

adjective

HARD TO HANDLEB2

So difficult, intense, or upsetting that you find it hard to deal with.

  • This week has been a lot.
  • Losing her job and moving house was a lot.
  • Is all this news a lot to take in?

Similar words: overwhelming, intense

Opposites: manageable

Common phrases: be a lot, feel like a lot

Questions about a lot

What does a lot mean?

A large amount or number of something.

What is a lot in other languages?

Türkçe: çok · Español: mucho · Français: beaucoup · Deutsch: viel · Italiano: molto · 日本語: たくさん

How do you pronounce a lot?

In American English /ə ˈlɑːt/; in British English /ə ˈlɒt/.

How do you use a lot in a sentence?

We have a lot of time. She bought a lot of books yesterday.

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