lot

From Wiktionary

See also a lot

Contents 1 Pronunciation 2 Noun 2.1 Usage 2.2 Synonyms

[change] Pronunciation

• enPR: lŏt
• IPA: /lɒt/
• SAMPA: /lQt/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[change] Noun

Singular lot

Plural lots

1. A lot of something is a large amount of it.

   I have a lot of things to say.

   He caused lots of trouble.

2. To a large degree

   Running is lots more fun when the weather is cool.

3. Often

   He used to come here a lot, but he doesn't anymore.

4. A lot is a piece of land, usually small.

   They are constructing a building on this lot.

[change] Usage

• In the sense of a large amount of something, lot is number transparent. In other words, it looks singular, but when it is the subject of a sentence, the verb should agree with the number of whatever is being talked about.

  A lot of water is running. (water is singular, so choose is)

  A lot of people are running. (people is plural, so choose are)

  Lots of water is running. (water is singular, so choose is)

  Lots of people are running. (people is plural, so choose are)

[change] Synonyms

• much
• many
• often
• a great deal
• far

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