Alot, Allot, and A Lot

From TCPwiki

Jump to: navigation, search

From Main Page / Technical Writing

Contents

A common error in English is trouble with the words alot, allot, and a lot. In fact, the word alot is not a real word, it does not exist.

A Lot

A lot is an informal phrase used to describe quantity. The word alot does not exist, it is always two words, referring to quantity.

Correct

You have a lot of money.
My niece has a lot of dolls.

Allot

Allot is used to refer to apportioning, giving out, dividing, or granting something.

Correct

I was allotted a very small cubicle as I started my new job.

Note

  • Since you cannot say alittle', you cannot say alot.
  • Do not use "alot" a lot.
Personal tools