lot

Everyday

1. A lot or lots means a large number or a large amount: a lot of people, lots of water. tree →
2. «A lot» as an adverb means very much or very often: I like it a lot. tree →
3. A lot can be a piece of land, such as a parking lot (USA, Canada). tree →
4. A lot can be a thing or group sold at an auction. tree →
5. A lot can also mean your fate, or the circumstances life has given you. tree →

In the lessons

In maths «a lot» is not an exact number; problems usually give the real numbers, but «a lot more» means much more. In everyday talk «a lot» and «lots» are very common: «thanks a lot», «a lot of homework». In the USA and Canada a «parking lot» is a car park. Phrases: a lot of, lots of, thanks a lot, quite a lot, the whole lot, a lot better.

Examples

• There were a lot of children at the party. tree →
• I have lots of homework tonight. tree →
• Thanks a lot for your help! tree →
• My little sister cries a lot. tree →
• Don't eat the whole lot; leave some for your brother. tree →
• This one is a lot bigger than that one. tree →
• Dad parked the car in the parking lot. tree →
• I've learned a lot this year. tree →
• Contentment with our lot is an element of happiness. tree →

Note

Write «a lot» as two words, never «alot». «A lot of» works with countable nouns (a lot of apples) and uncountable nouns (a lot of milk). «Lots of» is more informal. «A lot» is a vague amount: in a maths answer give the number, not «a lot».

In Jewish tradition

Lot is also the name of Abraham's nephew, the son of Haran, who lived in Sodom and was rescued from it. The word also means a stone or slip drawn to decide something by chance, as in dividing the priestly duties among the families.

Interpretation. The rabbis see Lot as a mixed example. He showed hospitality to the angels, but chose to live in wicked Sodom. Proverbs says the lot ends quarrels, and the tradition holds that God directs the lot.

Examples

• Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begot Lot. (Torah GEN.11.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Lot said unto them: 'Oh, not so, my lord; (Torah GEN.19.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot came unto Zoar. (Torah GEN.19.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. (Writings 1CH.26.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious. (Writings PRO.18.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah; (Writings 1CH.24.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Write «a lot» as two words, never «alot». «A lot of» works with countable nouns (a lot of apples) and uncountable nouns (a lot of milk). «Lots of» is more informal. «A lot» is a vague amount: in a maths answer give the number, not «a lot».