A Lot vs. Alot vs. Allot

A lot, alot, and allot only differ by a few spaces or letters. However, all of the terms function differently. Let’s investigate how to use each one.

What Does a Lot Mean?

Alot is a common misspelling of a lot. A lot should always be spelled as two words. The meaning of a lot depends on the context. Usually, it means “many” or “to a great extent.” Let’s look at some examples.

Shelley reads a lot of books during her morning commute.

Chopped parsley looks alot like chopped cilantro.

What Does Allot Mean?

To allot means to apportion by shares or to set aside for a special purpose. How do you use this verb? Let’s look at some examples of allot in a sentence.

The settlers were alloted one acre of farmland.

The employer allots one hour for lunch.

Examples

America is “closer than a lot of folks think” to ending cancer, Barack Obama has revealed.

Independent

Maybe everybody had the same allotedmeasure of happiness within each day.

Ann Brashares, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants