The problem with alot

The problem with alot

Every once in a while, I see a “alot” pop up in writing (unsurprisingly, it’s often in Facebook comments). I saw it today, and it prompted me to write this post.

When it is used, “alot” describes a large quantity or amount of something (e.g. alot of peppers, alot of heat, alot of pain).

This is wrong. It actually should be 2 words: a lot.

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.