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Why is "a lot" accepted but "alot" is not?
The term "a lot" is accepted now but was slang. "A lot" does not actually mean "many". It is singular for a grouping of people or things. Multiples of this would be 2 lots, 3 lots, etc. For example: "Jimmy is selling a lot of toys on Ebay and Jane is selling 2 lots. Jimmy's lot contains 6 toys and Jane's lots each contain 15." The use of "a lot" to mean many used to be improper and is simply an example of a slang term being used until it was accepted. So, why is there such a mental "tick" toward the word "alot"? It seems like it would make more sense to use a new single word (alot) and not continue using the improper 2 word version (a lot).
Special K - I'm not sure how long it took. I can say that in the 1970s I can remember my teachers grumbling when we used "alot". They would tell us that neither made any sense, but if we had to use it to spell it "a lot". So, it was at least starting to gain acceptance back then.
frog - Sorry...no Wiki on this one. However, your response is actually my point and question. It states "alot" is an illiterate spelling, yet "a lot" is accepted. "a lot" is grammatically correct as long as you use it in singular form but as far as definition, it makes no sense. O.bama M.ust G.o mentioned it is a misspelling. So, it is a misspelled illiterate version of an non-sense term? For it to be misspelled or an illiterate version, I would think the original would need to be correct...which "a lot" is not... It seems like they should both be illiterate or both not... As far as it not being a word you are correct...unless we make it one...
3 Answers
- Special KLv 410 years agoFavorite Answer
Words are "accepted" if many people start using it, so when you see that many (or should I say alot of?) people start using it, it will be accepted.
It depends on people thinking it would make more sense to use a new single word. Usage is what determines how words evolve, or die.
Check back sometime. How many years did it take for "a lot" to be accepted?
- FroggyLv 710 years ago
Read what a well respected dictionary definition says -
Alot - Illiterate spelling of a lot.
That is exactly what it is, there is no such word as 'alot'.
If you got your 'information' from Wikipedia, then you surely have 'alot' to learn.
There is actually Allot meaning - to divide or distribute by share or portion; distribute or parcel out; apportion: to allot the available farmland among the settlers.
to appropriate for a special purpose.
Source(s): Educator - Anonymous10 years ago
"Alot'' is a misspelling. It's also laziness. That's why "alright" is not All right-- it should be two words.
