lot

A large amount, or many people or things.

• We have a lot of books.
• She spent a lot of money.
• Were there a lot of people at the concert?

How to use it: a lot of + noun (There is a lot of food on the table.)

Similar words: load, mass, pile

Common phrases: a lot of, a whole lot

To a great degree, especially when comparing things or describing a change.

• I feel a lot better.
• The journey took a lot longer today.
• Your help meant a lot to me.

How to use it: a lot + comparative (This room is a lot bigger than ours.)

Common phrases: a lot better, a lot more, a lot easier

Often or many times.

• We laugh a lot together.
• She traveled a lot last year.
• Do you come here a lot?

Common phrases: travel a lot, laugh a lot, visit a lot

A separate piece of land, often used for building or parking.

• They bought an empty lot.
• A fence surrounds the parking lot.
• Several lots are for sale near the river.

Similar words: plot, parcel

Common phrases: vacant lot, parking lot, building lot

A group of goods treated as one unit for selling, sending, or another purpose.

• This lot contains six chairs.
• The books were sold in separate lots.
• Who bid for the last lot at the auction?

Similar words: batch, group

Common phrases: auction lot, single lot, sell a lot

A group of people considered together, often with an opinion about them.

• They are a friendly lot.
• You lot need to be quieter.
• The new students seem a cheerful lot.

Similar words: bunch, group

Common phrases: a cheerful lot, a noisy lot, you lot