#CommasCount

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“Alot” vs. “A Lot”: Why One Is Right and the Other Isn’t

Let’s clear something up once and for all:

“Alot” is not a word.

Yes, it shows up in texts, tweets, and even the occasional essay—but that doesn’t make it correct.

✅ The Correct Term: 

A lot

“A lot” is a phrase made up of two words:

“A” (an article)

“Lot” (a noun meaning a large amount or number)

Together, “a lot” means “many��� or “a large quantity.”

Examples:

I have a lot of homework tonight.

She drinks a lot of coffee.

We laughed a lot during the movie.

It’s informal, but it’s real—and it’s useful!

❌ The Common Mistake: 

Alot

“Alot” might look like it could be a word, but it’s not recognized by dictionaries or style guides. It’s simply a typo or misunderstanding that’s crept into common usage.

And while spellcheckers often catch it, they don’t always explain why it’s wrong. So now you know: no space = no good.

Pro Tip: Try Replacing It

A good test is to replace “a lot” with “many” or “much.”

✔️ I have a lot of shoes. → I have many shoes. ✅

❌ I have alot of shoes. → I have alot shoes. ❌

If it doesn’t work, it’s not a word.

Bonus: The Mythical “Alot” (For Fun)

If you’re a fan of grammar humor, you might love Allie Brosh’s classic blog post from Hyperbole and a Half, where she imagines the “Alot” as a big, furry creature that shows up every time someone writes it.

It’s hilarious—and a great way to remember the rule.

TL;DR

✅ a lot = correct

❌ alot = nope

Use “a lot” when you mean “many” or “a large amount.”

Don’t squish them together—it’s not a thing.

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