Wondering why this is not a word in the dictionary?

Question

I use the word alot, I mean alot of times. I understand that it is not a word; should be a lot. But isn't it more commomly used alot?....

Answer 1

How true. It is used a lot of times as alot.
Good one. Wait! Ebonics might not like that word.LOL

Answer 2

Maybe it just came along too late in the game. Because your tag, "always" used to be two words, too -- "all" and "ways." But by the time the innovative word users got around to putting "a lot" into one nice package, the dictionary facists were around to say, "Oh, no, you don't!"

I don't think it will see a status change in the near future, unless the meaning also significantly evolves.

Did you notice all the compacted words I used, though? Boy, they are all over the place!

Answer 3

The use of 'alot' meaning a lot is perhaps common in the US, but I dont come across this usage in common writing in other countries. I suppose people in US are more innovative, and also are a lot more busy than those elsewhere, to coin such a word.

Answer 4

People use "alot" a lot, but it's not a word. It will probably become a word in the future with enough usage.

Answer 5

"Alot" would be too easily confused with "allot", which means to parcel or apportion out among others. English is confusing enough, without making new words that are closely similar to existing words.

Answer 6

The reason is that it is, in fact, two words - 'a' and 'lot'. You could use 'many' instead - 'I use this word many times'

Answer 7

Just remember: there is a lot of space between a lot.

Answer 8

sent it to oxfords the makers of the dictionary and they will put it in