Does anyone know why we separate the word "a" from the word "lot"? like "a lot" instead of "alot"
Please provide links.
2007-10-02 16:36:51 · 6 answers · asked by Fidel P 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Because 'a' is one word and 'lot' is another.
You would not join 'afew' or 'abit' so why would you join 'alot'??
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2007-10-02 17:46:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's simply the fad of the time, and I spell it like I like to. I've often spelled it "alot" throughout my life, whether spellcheck (is that one word or two?? Who cares!) likes it or not. I was around before spellcheck was, so, I'm right and spellcheck needs to consult with me, not visa versa. I have caught my self (again, one word or two? I'll do it my way!) spelling it "a lot", but then, I like it the other way and I spelled it as one word long before spellcheck was ever around, so, my advice to you is to do it either way that makes you feel better. It's correct either way, and if someone argues with you about it, tell them to contact me. I was a Spelling Bee champion at my elementary school decades ago, and I've been around a lot longer than spellcheck, so you do it anyway you like. Oh, and I'm a three (3) time university graduate, so I had to know something about grammar, syntax and spelling in order to get those papers written correctly. God Bless you.
2007-10-02 23:51:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it's referring to how many "lot" - since it's only one "lot" it's "a" lot
"alot" would violate one of the double consonant rules (which some do but most don't) and really doesn't explain what we have, which is one lot.
"allot" would be ok but that's a different word that means to apportion or grant.
you wouldn't write "alittle" so we don't write "alot" âº
A link isn't needed - this is simple sentence structure and not spelling. You could though confirm with your dictionary if needed.
2007-10-02 23:43:45 · answer #3 · answered by CoachT 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because 'a lot' is referring either an amount or a parking lot, while 'alot' is not a word. Allot is, however, and means basically to distribute.
Edit: Yea, what the guy under me said.
2007-10-02 23:41:54 · answer #4 · answered by Buster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because 'a lot' contains an article and a noun, two separate words are written.
a=an article (a, an, the) meaning one
lot=noun meaning place, group, amount
2007-10-02 23:54:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
because they are two seperate words would u say there is alittle?
2007-10-02 23:41:35 · answer #6 · answered by daisycm 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋