lot1 pronoun, adverblot2 noun
lotlot1 /lɒt $ lɑːt/ ●●● S1 W1 pronoun, adverb 
Longman Language Activatora large amount of something
· If you plan carefully, a trip to Europe doesn't have to cost a lot.a lot of · We spent a lot of time just lying on the beach.· The book contains a lot of useful advice about setting up your own business.a whole lot/an awful lot (=a very large amount) · To most Americans, $150,000 sounds like a whole lot of money.quite a lot (=a fairly large amount of something) · Helen looks as if she's lost quite a lot of weight recently - is she on a diet?a lot more/less · Ask Susan - she knows a lot more about computers than I do.a lot to do/see/learn etc · We've painted the kitchen and the living room, but there's a lot to do in the other rooms.
informal a large amount of something: · "How much money did you bring with you?" "Lots."lots of: · It's a big house, so we've got lots of room for company.· There was lots of blood, but I don't think anyone got killed.lots and lots: · You can't afford to stay there unless you've got lots and lots of money.lots to see/do/learn etc: · You won't be bored - there's lots to do here.lots more/less: · There's lots more beer in the cooler if you want some.
use this especially in questions and negatives. Much is also used in positive sentences in written English and in formal spoken English: · Do you know much about cars?much pleasure/hope/sense etc: · It gives us much pleasure to announce the names of the winners.· Her answer didn't make much sense to me.so much: · There was so much noise outside, I could hardly hear what she was saying.too much: · I think Perry's had a little too much wine.much to do/see/learn etc: · She never seems to have much to say.· He's very young and still has much to learn about how to deal with employees.much more/less: · We've had much less rain this year than last year.much of (=a large part of something): · Much of Bangladesh remains flooded after last week's torrential rains.
a large amount of something such as time, money, effort, or knowledge: · We already know a great deal about the planet Jupiter.a great/a good deal of: · The job requires a great deal of patience and skill.· It sounds like a simple experiment, but it required a great deal of effort.· There's a good deal of evidence to show that eating red meat can cause heart disease.a great/a good deal more/less: · Audiences have responded to his latest show with a great deal more enthusiasm.
also a fair bit British a large amount of something compared with the total amount that you have: · Don knows a fair bit about managing a company. quite a bit/a fair amount of: · I wasted a fair amount of time before I figured out what was wrong with the car.· There's been quite a bit of conflict between the new director and his staff.quite a bit/a fair amount more/less: · The tickets will cost quite a bit less money if you stay over the weekend.
also loads especially British, /masses British informal a very large amount of something: · "How much space is there in the back of your car?" "Masses."· It was a fantastic meal - there was loads to eat.tons of: · He made tons of money at some computer company.· She's a great athlete with loads of talent.· I've got tons of homework to do this weekend.tons and tons/loads and loads etc: · There's tons and tons of information on the Internet if you're willing to look for it.
British informal a large amount of something, especially work or money: · "How much money have you saved?" "Oh, stacks!"· I have piles to do when I get home tonight.piles/heaps/stacks of: · Her family is very rich - they have heaps of money.
a large amount of something such as work, debt, or information: · We had to complete a mountain of paperwork to get the loan.· The economies of Third World countries are often crippled by huge mountains of debt which they will never be able to repay.
a lot or in very large amounts, especially when this is worse than expected: heavy rain/snow/traffic/fighting/losses/taxation: · The match went ahead despite the heavy rain.· It was a fierce battle, and losses on both sides were heavy.· Traffic was really heavy this morning - it took me over an hour to get here.
informal a large amount of money: · He lost a bundle in the stock market.a bundle of: · If you end up hiring a lawyer, it could cost you a bundle of money.
a large number of things or people · I was surprised so few people were at the concert - I thought there'd be a lot there.a lot of · A lot of tourists visit Venice in the summer.· John has lived in a lot of different places.a lot more/fewer/less · I'm sure she has a lot more problems than I have.quite a lot · There were quite a lot of words that I couldn't understand.a whole lot/an awful lot · An awful lot of his customers are unhappy with his work.
informal a lot of people or things: · "Have you gotten any responses to your ad?" "Yeah - lots."lots of: · I've invited lots of people.· She asked lots of questions during the interview.lots and lots of: · They've planted lots and lots of flowers in the back yard.lots more/fewer/less: · We get lots more people in the bar on Fridays.
use this especially in questions and negative sentences. Many is also used in positive sentences in written English and in formal spoken English.: many questions/people/cars/thoughts etc: · Did you get many Christmas cards this year?· I don't know many people here, do you?not many: · Not many people survived the crash.so many: · There were so many people at the party, I never even saw Will.too many: · They've got too many rules for me to remember them all.many of (=many among a large number of people or things): · Many of the paintings burned, but the most valuable ones were saved.for many years: · She worked as a reporter with CBS news for many years.in many ways/places/cases etc: · There will be rain in many parts of the country tonight.many more/fewer/less: · We've had many fewer complaints since Doug took over the department.the many: · The report hardly mentions the many patients who have benefited from the treatment.a good many: · A good many scientists were opposed to the use of the bomb.many a person/place/thing: · I've spent many a happy morning fishing from this spot.
a lot of a particular type of person or thing - used especially in newspapers and official reports: · Police seized a large number of weapons.· Large numbers of demonstrators were arrested during today's protest march.
also loads especially British, /masses British informal a lot of people or things: · "How many strawberries did you pick?" "Masses!"tons of: · You can borrow one of my books if you want - I have tons of them.· The beach was really crowded - there were loads of people from all over Europe.loads and loads/tons and tons etc: · There were loads and loads of empty seats at the game - I was kind of surprised.
American informal a lot of people or things: · "Do you have any markers I could borrow?" "I've got a bunch - what colors do you need?"a bunch of: · Rita finally showed up with a bunch of her friends.· I went to a bunch of different stores but I couldn't find a coat I liked.a whole bunch: · A whole bunch of us are going to the beach - you want to come along?
a large number of people, things etc but not usually more than a hundred: · At least five people died and dozens more were injured in a gas explosion just outside Paris.dozens of: · Since we put the advertisement in the paper we've had dozens of phone calls.· Baldwin was the author of six novels, four plays and dozens of essays and poems.dozens and dozens: · The women see dozens and dozens of movies a year.
formal many: · The same problem has occurred before on numerous occasions.· Numerous books and movies have dealt with the issue of wife abuse.too numerous to list/mention/name etc (=so many that you cannot say all of them): · I want to thank all the people, too numerous to mention, who've helped me win this election.
a large number of things or people, especially when this is impressive or surprising: · AIDS can indirectly result in a host of other illnesses.· Since he was elected, the president has been faced with a host of difficult problems.a whole host of: · Their newest compact model has a whole host of exciting new features.
a fairly large number of people, things etc: · He's been working at the company for quite a few years.· There have been quite a few accidents on this stretch of road.· "How many people are coming to the party?" "Oh, quite a few."quite a few of: · She knows quite a few of the people who work at the hospital.
especially American a large number of ideas, opinions, suggestions etc: · The President has a raft of new proposals for dealing with inner city decay.a whole raft of: · By the end of the meeting we had a whole raft of new ideas for expansion.
: multi-coloured/multi-national/multi-storey/multi-racial/multi-purpose/multi-million dollar etc having or involving many colours, countries etc: · My new office is in a multi-storey building.· The company is a multi-national corporation, which has branches all over the world.· Russia has moved from a one-party dictatorship to a multi-party system of government.
: multiple injuries/wounds/burns/fractures in many parts of the body: · She suffered multiple injuries after jumping out of a fifth floor window.· Lauda was pulled from his blazing car with multiple burns.
a very large number of people or things a lot of things or people - use this when you want to emphasize that you are talking about a very large number. You can use this informally when the number is actually less than a hundred: · Hundreds were left homeless by the flood.hundreds/thousands of: · I've seen that movie hundreds of times.· It will cost thousands of dollars to repair the house.· From the 1880s to the early 1900s thousands of workers came to Hawaii from Japan.hundreds and hundreds/thousands and thousandsalso hundreds upon hundreds/thousands upon thousands: · The temple was filled with hundreds and hundreds of lanterns.by the hundreds/thousands: · Starving animals in the region are dying by the thousands.
use this when you want to emphasize that you are talking about something important: · We have seen a great many changes in the last twenty years.· There are still a great many questions that remain unanswered.a great many of: · The fire had destroyed a great many of the family's possessions.
an extremely large number of things or people, that cannot be counted or imagined: · The mountains around the lake are filled with countless hiking trails.· There are innumerable variations on the folktale, but the basic story is the same throughout Europe.countless millions (=an extremely large group of people): · His music has brought joy to countless millions.
informal an extremely large number of things of different types - use this especially when you think there are too many things: · When my parents come to stay with us, they bring everything but the kitchen sink!· Chatham refused to participate in what he called "everything but the kitchen sink" art shows.
more than enough of something that people need or want a lot of something or a lot of things or people, especially more than enough: · No thanks, I couldn't eat any more. I've had plenty.plenty of: · There's plenty of room in the hall closet.· We have plenty of glasses, but not enough plates.plenty to do/eat/talk about etc: · The two men had plenty to talk about.plenty of something to do something: · There's still plenty of time to take a walk or a bike ride before dinner.
more than you need - sometimes used to mean there is too much: · Here's some money for the ticket - $25 should be more than enough.more than enough something for somebody: · There's more than enough food for everyone.more than enough to do/think about etc: · I can't help with the planning. I've more than enough to do already.more than enough to do something: · He makes more than enough to live comfortably on.more than enough something to do something: · Supporters have gathered more than enough signatures to put Fordham on the ballot.
British informal a lot or more than enough of something that you need or want: · Don't rush; we've got bags of time.· The new manager is tremendously enthusiastic, and he's got bags of new ideas.
more than enough: · These documents provide ample evidence of their guilt.· The program would ensure that Arizona has an ample supply of water for the next 20 years.ample time/opportunity etc to do something: · You will have ample opportunity to express your opinions during the debate.
if something such as food or water is plentiful , there is more than enough of it available: · During the summer tomatoes are plentiful and cheap.· The river provides a plentiful supply of clean water to nearby villages.
formal a large quantity of something, usually more than is needed: · This book contains an abundance of valuable information.· An abundance of fruits and vegetables grow in Kenya's temperate climate.
formal existing in large quantities so that there is more than enough: · Latin America has an abundant labor force and natural resources.· During the 18th century land was cheap, grain was plentiful, and meat was abundant.abundant in: · Plant fossils are abundant in some types of rock.
available in large quantities - used especially in advertisements about something that people may want : · There are bargains galore in our summer sale.· Lots of fun for the kids! Rides and games galore!
a lot of unpleasant events in a short period of time · An alarming spate of bombings has caused widespread panic.· The company has yet to respond to the recent spate of lawsuits filed against it.· The party lost power three years ago after a spate of political scandals.
a lot of unpleasant activity of one particular kind which spreads quickly during a short period of time and which seems to be difficult to stop or control: epidemic of: · The recent epidemic of car thefts has been blamed on bored teenagers.reach epidemic proportions (=become like an epidemic): · Alcohol abuse has reached epidemic proportions in this country.
a large number of unpleasant events or a particular kind that happen in a short period of time in many different places: · Emergency officials worry that the region may again be hit by a rash of wildfires this fall.· Experts are not sure what is causing the recent rash of mountain lion sightings.
a lot of unpleasant activity or actions suddenly becoming worse and increasing in a short period of time: wave of: · Security chiefs fear a new wave of terrorist bombings.· The country has been brought to a standstill by the latest wave of strikes.crime wave: · The mayor has promised tough action in response to the city's rising crime wave.
a lot of people or things all arriving at the same time a very large amount of something or a very large number of things or people arriving in a short period of time: · Many fear that the flood of imports could weaken Britain's economy.· The town has been hit by a flood of visitors since it was featured in the movie.· The company was launched amid a flood of publicity a year ago.
a sudden increase in the number of people or things all arriving at the same time: · There was a great wave of immigrants to the U.S. at the beginning of the 20th century.· Students are responsible for sparking the latest wave of demonstrations.
a very large number of messages, letters etc all arriving suddenly at the same time, especially when there are too many: · He received a deluge of telegrams and messages of support from around the world.· Insurance companies are bracing themselves for an avalanche of claims following the hurricane.
when a lot of people or things do something at the same time use this to say that a lot of people or things do something, or go or appear somewhere all at the same time: · During the dry season animals gather in large numbers around the water holes.· Young people are leaving the countryside and moving to the city in large numbers.
if people go somewhere in droves , they go in large numbers especially when this surprises you: · Nurses are leaving the profession in droves.· People came in droves to watch the fireworks display.
if people go somewhere in force or in strength a lot of them go together so that there is a large number of them in a particular place: · The police arrived in force to break up the crowd of demonstrators.· If Latino voters turn out in strength for the next election, results could be very different.
if people do something by the hundreds or by the thousands very large groups of them are doing it at the same time: · People in the drought-stricken region are dying by the hundreds.· From all over the country, people came by the thousands to pay respect to their dead leader.
if messages, events etc come thick and fast , a lot of them suddenly come or happen in a short time: · At first no one was interested in the job but now applications are coming in thick and fast.· Rumours flew thick and fast that the company was going to be sold.
to be dying or suddenly becoming ill in large numbers: · In the middle of the cholera epidemic, people were dropping like flies.· When Sam reached 70, it seemed his friends started dying like flies.
when there is a lot of something in many areas if an object, animal, disease etc is common , there is a very large number or amount of objects, animals etc of this type in many different places: · Jones is a very common name in Britain.· Flatheads are a common type of fish and good to eat.· Malaria is particularly common near swamps where mosquitoes can breed.
having an effect on a lot of people over a wide area: · Poverty in the region is widespread.widespread damage/flooding/poverty etc: · Heavy rains have led to the most widespread flooding in a decade.· Ethiopia was suffering widespread famine and disease.
covering a large area or a large range of information, ideas etc: · Damage to the forests from the wildfires was extensive.· The ancient Greeks had an extensive knowledge of the stars.· Abortion has been the subject of extensive debate in the US.
done or believed by a lot of people · Using "lay" instead of "lie" is a very common mistake.· It's becoming more and more common for women to keep their family name when they marry.· My daughter says politics is boring, which is a common attitude among teenagers.
done, believed, or felt by a lot of ordinary people have: · There is still a lot of popular support for the ex-president.· I don't accept the popular view that all criminals should be put in prison.contrary to popular belief (=the opposite of what most ordinary people believe): · Contrary to popular belief, the Australian desert is often full of wildlife.
done, believed or felt by a lot of people in many different places: · There was now widespread public support for healthcare reform.· The airlines' failures were in part caused by widespread concern about air safety.· The practice of adding preservatives to basic foods is widespread.
: widely accepted/believed/known/practised/used etc done, believed or felt by a lot of people in many different places: · Silicon Valley is widely known as California's high-tech center.· A hundred years ago it was widely believed that there was life on Mars.· Asbestos was once widely used in the building industry.
when someone does something a lot · I'm really glad to meet you. Betty's talked a lot about you.· He really sweats a lot in hot weather like this.a whole lot/an awful lot · We didn't do an awful lot while Geraldine was here.quite a lot · He laughed quite a lot as he spoke.
use this in questions and negatives: · I haven't thought much about it.· Do you talk to Leslie much anymore?
formal a lot: · I've thought a good deal about what you said.· Her knee makes it impossible to run, but she still walks a great deal.
also a fair bit British fairly often or in fairly large amounts: · You've been travelling quite a bit lately, haven't you?· I exercise a fair amount - especially on weekends.· You have to stand around a fair bit in this job.
: heavy smoking/drinking smoking or drinking a lot, especially when this is bad for your health: · She has a bad cough, caused by heavy smoking.· The three soldiers are accused of killing the woman after a night of heavy drinking.be a heavy smoker/drinker (=smoke or drink a lot): · His first wife Joy was a heavy smoker who died of lung cancer.
containing a lot of something if something is full of people or things, there are a lot of them in it: · In summer the town is full of tourists.· Her essay was full of mistakes.be chock full of something (=be completely full of something): · The pamphlet is chock full of advice for people travelling abroad.
something that is high in fat, sugar, salt etc contains a lot of fat, sugar etc: high in: · The cereal is high in fiber and contains plenty of vitamin B.high-fat/-sugar/-cholesterol etc: · I try to eat a low-fat, high-protein diet.high metal/calcium/oxygen etc content: · The high oxygen content of Earth's atmosphere makes life here possible.
something that is rich in a useful or valuable substance such as oil or iron, contains a lot of oil, iron etc: rich in: · Spinach is rich in iron and very good for you.· The land in this area is rich in minerals and ideal for growing crops.oil-rich/copper-rich/diamond-rich etc: · Numerous companies sprang up employing thousands to work the oil-rich fields of Texas.
producing a lot doing a job efficiently with good results, especially by producing a large quantity of something: · We should do something to reward our most productive employees.· The local paper factory has been forced to become more productive or face closure.
a writer or artist who is prolific produces a large number of works: · Ansle is a prolific writer of more than 200 romances.· As an artist, Benton was prolific - more than 1,900 drawings were found in his studio after his death.
when there is a lot of unpleasant activity if something bad or unpleasant is rife , it is very common. If a place, situation, or activity is rife with something bad or unpleasant, the bad or unpleasant thing is very common there: · Foreigners doing business in the city say that corruption is rife there.be rife with: · The neighborhood is rife with illegal drug activity and violence.
use this about a place where there is a lot of an activity, especially a bad or violent one: · The political party has become a hotbed of nationalism and racial bigotry.· The exhibition's use of religious symbols has made it a hotbed of controversy.
very much very much: · She's changed a lot since she's been here.· "How does your arm feel?" "It still hurts a lot."· I like her a lot, but I don't think I'm in love with her.a lot better/worse/bigger/more etc: · Their new house is a lot bigger than their old one.· The tickets were a lot more expensive than we expected.a whole lot/an awful lot: · I like the people a whole lot, but the pay isn't very good.
use this especially to talk about people's feelings: · "Do you like living in Rome?" "Yes, very much."like/admire/miss etc somebody very much: · Lara liked being at college, but she missed her family very much.like/enjoy something very much: · We enjoyed the play very much - it was really well done.very much wish/hope/doubt etc formal: · I doubt very much that he'll still be here in November.
formal very much - use this especially to talk about changes, improvements, or differences: · Her work has improved a good deal over the past year.· By the next morning the swelling had already gone down a great deal.a good/great deal better/worse/bigger/more etc: · The situation was a good deal worse than we had first thought.
/a fair bit British by a fairly large degree: · She's quite a bit shorter than I remembered.· Jim has improved quite a bit since he came home from the hospital.· The estimates were a fair bit higher than what the final figure was.
especially spoken a lot - use this especially to talk about your feelings: · I really like your new haircut.· We really enjoy having a few friends over for dinner every once in a while.· What really annoys me is the way he never apologizes when he's late.
formal a lot: · We greatly regret having caused you so much trouble and inconvenience.· The recent talks have greatly improved relations between North and South Korea.· I think we have all benefited greatly from Helen's knowledge and experience.be greatly affected/amused/influenced etc: · The students were greatly amused by Professor Unwin's remark.· Critics say that the report's figures are greatly exaggerated.
use this especially when you are saying how much you love, want, or admire something or someone: · It's two years since Tony died. I miss him so much.· I wanted so much to go with him, but he wouldn't let me come.· Wordsworth returned to the lakes and hills that he loved so much.so much better/worse/more etc: · I really like the living room arranged this way so much better than the way we used to have it.
use this in questions and negatives and in comparisons and before phrases with 'too': · Has he changed much?· "Did you enjoy the show?" "Not much."much better/worse/bigger/more etc: · You get a much better view if you stand on a chair.· His family is much more important to him than his career.much too big/old/tall etc: · The test was much too difficult for most of the students.· You're working much too hard, and you're letting the boss take advantage of you.
use this to emphasize that you mean 'very much': · His English has improved tremendously.· I admire your mother enormously.· Prices can vary enormously from state to state.· Since the law was changed, the number of credit unions has grown tremendously.
use this when you are talking about a change or difference that is big enough to be important: · In New York and Los Angeles violent crime decreased significantly.· All ovens are different, and cooking times can vary significantly.significantly higher/lower/more etc: · Students who had completed the program scored significantly higher on standardized tests.
someone or something that you care a lot about if something is important to you, you care a lot about it, and it has an important influence on the way you think and behave: · Which is more important to you - your family or your career?be important to somebody: · While I was a student, my parents' support and encouragement were very important to me.the important thing (=the only important thing): · At least the children are safe - that's the important thing.
if you care about something or someone, you think they are important and you pay attention to them, consider their feelings etc: · Thousands are dying from disease and starvation and yet no one seems to care.care about: · Of course I care about the homeless and the unemployed, but what can I do?care what/who etc: · We make a range of natural, additive-free foods for people who really care what they eat.
especially spoken if someone or something means a lot to you, you care about them or think about them a lot, and your happiness depends on them: · You mustn't discourage her - this job means a lot to her.mean everything to somebody (=to be more important than anything else): · Karen trained day and night - winning the gold medal meant everything to her.
if something or someone is your whole life , they are so important to you that life would seem to have no meaning without them and you would be very unhappy: · I could never consider another career -- making films is my whole life.· Paul loves you very much. You are his whole life.
if you live for something or someone, they are the most important or enjoyable thing in your life: · Margot lived for ballet and was completely dedicated.· Bob lives for just two things -- his daughters and his music.
especially British if someone is or means (all) the world to you, they are more important to you than anyone else because you love them so much: · My son means all the world to me. If anything happened to him I'd never forgive myself.
the thing that someone considers to be the most important thing in their life - use this when you think that they are wrong to think that it is the most important thing: · Going to university isn't the be all and end all, you know.
a large amount of money a large amount of money: · The painting was sold for £20,000 in 1926, which was a lot of money in those days.spend/pay/make a lot of money: · I don't want to spend a lot of money on holiday.· I'd pay her a lot of money to organize my life for me.· Do you make a lot of money doing this?cost a lot of money (=to be expensive): · That hi-fi looks as though it cost a lot of money.· It'll cost a lot of money to have the roof fixed.be worth a lot of money: · These will be worth a lot of money in 50 years' time or so.have a lot of money: · They don't have a lot of money, but they live comfortably.be a lot of money for something (=used to emphasize how expensive something is): · Two hundred and fifty dollars is a lot of money just for a new carpet. a whole lot of money American spoken (=used to emphasize how large an amount is): · They wanted to charge me a whole lot of money just to change my car insurance.
informal a lot of money: · I thought you were going to tell me you'd won a fortune!cost (somebody) a fortune: · The lighting effects alone must have cost a fortune.· It costs an absolute fortune to park in town these days, you know.· You're costing me a fortune in coffee!make/spend/pay a fortune: · I paid a fortune for this car, and I've had nothing but trouble with it.· Walter made a fortune with his first book.be worth a fortune: · That house must be worth a fortune!a small fortune (=used to emphasize that the amount of money was surprising or unexpected): · She earned a small fortune selling antique furniture, and retired when she was 45.
British informal a very large amount of money: cost (somebody) a bomb: · It was lovely and I wanted it -- the only problem was, it cost a bomb.make/earn etc a bomb: · He's been earning a bomb repairing computers at home for people.· You won't make a bomb, but it's worth doing.be worth a bomb: · The house is worth a bomb at today's prices.
informal a large amount of money, especially money that is earned or paid in business: · He's hoping there's big money in this new business.· I'm making big money these days.· The investors are talking big money. At least $100,000.
to show that someone or something is good · His performance shows great talent.· Lieutenant Marche's actions showed great courage and leadership.show how/what/why etc · This latest album certainly shows why Pine is rated a first-class jazz musician among his peers.
also say a great deal for/about informal to show very clearly that someone has good qualities, though those qualities are not always named: · The decision says a great deal for Chang's courage and convictions.· To have those sort of setbacks and still keep everything together says a lot about Richard.say a lot for/about that: · It says a lot for Banks that he decided to finish the race even though he had no hope of winning.
if a fact or achievement is a tribute to someone or something, it shows their good qualities because it is a result of those qualities: · It was a tribute to her teaching methods that most of the children passed the tests.· That the book was ever finished was a tribute to the patience and dedication of all concerned.
if an action or event reflects well on a person or organization, it shows that they have good qualities or abilities, and this makes people's opinion of them improve: · Military success always reflects well on the government in power at the time.· This win reflects well on the growing strength of our young players.· The television coverage of the trial reflected well on NBC.
formal if something is testament to a particular quality or person, it shows how good, strong, skilled etc that quality or person really is: · The incredible precision of the equipment is testament to the mechanical skill of the engineers who built it.· It is a testament to the greatness of Rodgers & Hart that their music still sounds as fresh and vital as the day it was written.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
I still have a lot to learn. It’s a great city, with lots to see and do. There were a lot of people at the party. I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about. An awful lot of people (=a large number of people) died in the war. We now have a much better understanding of the disease. I found I had a lot in common with these people. Social class matters a lot less than it used to. It costs much less to go by bus. He’s lost a lot of blood but his life is not in danger. It mattered a great deal to her what other people thought of her. The medal meant a lot to him. Sorry I forgot. I’ve got a lot on my mind (=a lot of problems to worry about) at the moment. Children generally feel much more confident working in groups. He travels around a lot more now that he has a car. She cares a lot more for her dogs than she does for me. Diane earns a lot more than I do. ‘I owe my parents a lot,’ he admitted. He took a lot of persuading to come out of retirement (=it was hard to persuade him). They’ve been seeing a lot of each other. Thanks a lot for the drink. There was only a vacant lot (=empty unused area of land in a city) where her house used to be.
also a whole lot informal (=a very large amount or number) He spends an awful lot of time on the computer.
He spends an awful lot of time on the computer. I still have a lot to learn. It’s a great city, with lots to see and do.· A lot of people were hurt.
· A lot of money was spent on it.
· Lots of people were hurt.
· Lots of money was spent on it.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There were a lot of people at the party. I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about.· She always had great admiration for people who could speak so many languages.
An awful lot of people (=a large number of people) died in the war. We now have a much better understanding of the disease. I found I had a lot in common with these people.· There's been a lot of controversy about the term 'victim'.
· Their hair products are really good but they cost a lot.
· Bright children often have a lot of curiosity.
(=have a good effect on something)· The new leisure centre has done a lot for the town’s image.
(also lots of fun)· The kids had a lot of fun singing and dancing.
· There has been a lot of interest in the story.
Social class matters a lot less than it used to. It costs much less to go by bus. He’s lost a lot of blood but his life is not in danger. (=used to say that you could make your situation much worse) These youngsters know they have too much to lose by protesting against the system.
These youngsters know they have too much to lose by protesting against the system. It mattered a great deal to her what other people thought of her. The medal meant a lot to him. Sorry I forgot. I’ve got a lot on my mind (=a lot of problems to worry about) at the moment.· Good food doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Children generally feel much more confident working in groups. He travels around a lot more now that he has a car. She cares a lot more for her dogs than she does for me. Diane earns a lot more than I do. (=things that are completely untrue)· ‘Don’t fill her head with a lot of nonsense,’ said her mother.
(=only a few, only a little etc) Not much is known about the disease. Not many people have read the report.
Not much is known about the disease. Not many people have read the report. ‘I owe my parents a lot,’ he admitted. He took a lot of persuading to come out of retirement (=it was hard to persuade him). They’ve been seeing a lot of each other. Thanks a lot for the drink. There was only a vacant lot (=empty unused area of land in a city) where her house used to be.· Conditions were much worse in rural areas.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the best of a bad lot/bunch► would give anything/a lot/your right arm etc for something► have nothing/not much/a lot etc going for somebody/something► love (from somebody)/lots of love/all my love► a lot/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) something► have a lot to say for yourself► take a lot out of you/take it out of you
1a lot (also lots informal) a large amount or number: - I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention, I have a lot on my mind at the moment.
- Since the divorce, Linda's had a lot on her mind.
- Stacy didn't go to the party on Saturday because she had a lot on her mind.
- He says he'll try and see you as soon as possible, but he has a lot going on this afternoon.
- All the same, it is a lot of fun, and the warm weather is very pleasant.
- As with most coupes there is not a lot of room in the back, even kids find it tight.
- But that is true of a lot of subjects I did at O level.
- He knows a lot of weird people over in Nam.
- I went out with quite a lot of men before I met Stuart.
- Stevie Wonder is a black artist, but a lot of his music comes out pop.
- The Big Three are making a lot of noise in hopes of gaining a political and competitive advantage.
- All the same, it is a lot of fun, and the warm weather is very pleasant.
- As with most coupes there is not a lot of room in the back, even kids find it tight.
- But that is true of a lot of subjects I did at O level.
- He knows a lot of weird people over in Nam.
- I went out with quite a lot of men before I met Stuart.
- Stevie Wonder is a black artist, but a lot of his music comes out pop.
- The Big Three are making a lot of noise in hopes of gaining a political and competitive advantage.
- All the same, it is a lot of fun, and the warm weather is very pleasant.
- As with most coupes there is not a lot of room in the back, even kids find it tight.
- But that is true of a lot of subjects I did at O level.
- He knows a lot of weird people over in Nam.
- I went out with quite a lot of men before I met Stuart.
- Stevie Wonder is a black artist, but a lot of his music comes out pop.
- The Big Three are making a lot of noise in hopes of gaining a political and competitive advantage.
- Don't bother your mother -- she's got a lot on her plate at the moment.
- Harris has a lot on his plate at the moment. Why don't we give the project to Melinda?
- Susan's had a lot on her plate recently, what with the car accident and everything.
- That sister of yours has an awful lot to answer for.
- And yes, I know, even as a spectator, I was condoning the worst sort of behavior.
- But maybe that is the worst sort of wishful thinking.
- Domestic violence is insanity of the worst sort.
- He was a bad lot and it was just one of those things.
- I left to live with a boyfriend, who turned out to be a bad lot.
- If so, San Diego was among the worst of a bad lot.
- If they do not, they will be guilty of the worst sort of hypocrisy.
- The city's school system, among the worst of a bad lot through the state, is full of squabbling.
- Did you ever draw straws when you were a kid?
- It is a curious turn around from the days when bondholders pleased to be bought out and were driving to drawing lots!
- She took it thoughtfully like some one choosing a straw when drawing lots.
- The players alternate between the white and black pieces and draw lots to determine who plays white in today's first game.
- Then we drew lots to decide the order in which we should improvise, night by night.
- They drew lots to decide which should first seize his lady, and fortune favored Ephialtes.
- They also took turns administering the city-state, drawing lots to settle who would take on which job.
- A fat lot of good it did me!
- Frederick Bissett was a member of the Institute of Professional Scientists, and a fat lot of good that did him.
- Getting the pound down was what Labour governments did with metronomic regularity. Fat lot of good it did them.
- With her brains and good looks, she certainly has a lot going for her.
- Human travel agents, paper guidebooks and newspaper ads still have a lot going for them.
- Even kitchen utensils are being sold along with a job lot of washing machines, dryers and ironing machines for £200.
- He would, he said, take care of film and theatre reviews as a job lot if he got free tickets.
- I've still got 300 sets left over from that job lot I got the other Christmas.
- Bob's idea of a balanced diet left something to be desired.
- His treatment of capital and profits left much to be desired.
- On the campaign trail, his oratorical skills have left much to be desired.
- On theoretical grounds, however, it leaves much to be desired.
- The quality of research in the area of child abuse still leaves much to be desired.
- To some degree they have been hampered by courses of study and lesson plans thai leave something to be desired.
- While the woodwind and low strings were reasonably well replicated, the violins, timpani and brass left much to be desired.
- Yet, as a match, it left something to be desired.
- Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
- I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
- It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
- Kirchberg is where the peace and quiet is worth making a noise about.
- Beckham may have enough on his plate attempting to recapture his early-season form without being burdened with any extra responsibilities.
- A better day today, Miss Lavant wrote in her diary, quite a bit of sunshine.
- By no means, Watson; even now quite a few scientists continue to doubt.
- I lived quite a lot of my early childhood at the Thompsons' house behind a shop on Harehills Parade.
- Obviously, you have to wear quite a lot of protective clothing to minimise the risk of getting injured.
- Over 296 pages, Fallows cites quite a few.
- The man looks prosperous, like quite a few men.
- There's quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchens.
- There has been quite a lot of talk recently about adding enzymes to help the carp digest our sophisticated carp baits.
- "I forgot to bring your money." "Well, thanks a lot!"
- Gee, thanks a lot for saving me from Madonna in the morning.
- Hey, thanks a lot, Wyatt.
- Quite honestly I don't have a lot of time for any of them.
- A whole lot of meat went down those hungry throats.
- All parties suffered, yet it was difficult to generate a whole lot of pity for any of them.
- However, it did not take a whole lot of time to qualify my actions.
- I done buried a whole lot of people, but she the first one I ever wondered about.
- It was in weather like this that she had an urge to take the scissors and cut the whole lot off.
- Me, I've got to wire the whole lot in.
- Probably in the early afternoon, when visitors look a whole lot less suspicious.
- The whole lot is then regurgitated and given to mugs to drink.
- A.. There are some people whose physical and mental age is a whole lot younger than their nominal age.
- For every winner, there's a loser - or a whole lot of them, more likely.
- He wouldn't tell me a whole lot about what the countries were like, because he didn't know himself.
- However, it did not take a whole lot of time to qualify my actions.
- Inwardly he is a whole lot more.
- It was a whole lot better than the old pineapple.
- Now, doesn't that sound a whole lot more exciting than the next Prodigy video?
- Probably in the early afternoon, when visitors look a whole lot less suspicious.
- A.. There are some people whose physical and mental age is a whole lot younger than their nominal age.
- All parties suffered, yet it was difficult to generate a whole lot of pity for any of them.
- Being a real ex-Commie used to be a badge of honor among a whole lot of righties.
- He and the son have a whole lot sticking in their craw.
- He wouldn't tell me a whole lot about what the countries were like, because he didn't know himself.
- I said a whole lot of other stuff and I ended up getting severely told off.
- In reality, of course, it stands for something a whole lot less fierce-sounding - simply one's partner in life.
- Slick graphics slides can cost a whole lot more.
- And the whole lot smelt - a pervasive stench of damp and mildew.
- Do you read the whole lot, or read the first one and the last one and guess the rest?
- For a moment Clare felt like telling him not to bother, just chuck the whole lot away.
- Haven't got two original ideas to rub together between the whole lot of them.
- I was there to cover the whole lot, newly assigned as city reporter for the Nogales International.
- It must be the whole lot of them, the whole flock and there were hundreds in the field.
- Of course, we could sell the whole lot without the trouble of hanging them.
We’ve spent a lot on the children’s education. ‘How many CDs have you got?’ ‘Lots.’lot of They paid a lot of money for that house. I eat a lot of vegetables. There were lots of people at the party.an awful lot (also a whole lot informal) (=a very large amount or number) He spends an awful lot of time on the computer.a lot to do/learn/say etc I still have a lot to learn. It’s a great city, with lots to see and do.GRAMMAR: Comparisona lot of• A lot of is fairly informal and is mainly used in spoken English or informal written English.• You can use a lot of with a plural noun and a plural verb: · A lot of people were hurt.• You can use a lot of with an uncountable noun and a singular verb: · A lot of money was spent on it.lots of• Lots of is more informal than a lot of, but is used in exactly the same way.• You say: · Lots of people were hurt.· Lots of money was spent on it.many, a large amount of• In written English, you usually use many or a large amount of.• You use many with a plural noun and a plural verb: · Many people were hurt.• You use a large amount of with an uncountable noun and a singular verb: · A large amount of money was spent on it.• When talking about years, days, weeks etc, you usually use many instead of a lot of: · The book took many years to write. ✗Don’t say: The book took a lot of years to write.2a lot (also lots informal) if someone or something is a lot better, faster, easier etc, they are much better, faster etc SYN much: My headache is lots better, thanks. She has a lot more contact with clients these days. You’ll get there a lot quicker if you take the motorway. The house is a lot tidier now Chris has left home.3a lot used to say that something happens to a great degree or often: Things have changed a lot since I was a child. Paul travels a lot on business. I’ve been worrying a lot about my health. She likes you a lot.4have a lot on your plate informal to have a large number of problems to deal with or a large amount of work to do5have a lot on your mind to have a lot of problems that you are worried about: ‘You’re quiet today.’ ‘I’ve got a lot on my mind.’6have a lot on British English to be very busy, with a large number of things to do in a short time: I can’t help you now – I’ve got rather a lot on. → thanks a lot at thanks1(1), → a fat lot of good/use at fat1(5), → have a lot to answer for at answer forlot1 pronoun, adverblot2 noun
lotlot2 ●●● S2 noun WORD ORIGINlot2
Origin:
Old English hlot ‘object used for making a choice by chance’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Lot fifteen was a box of old books.
- Bring that lot over here, will you?
- Don't take any notice of that lot, they're just ignorant.
- I don't like her new friends - they're a snobbish lot.
- Keeler is the best player of the lot.
- Right lads, let's pick up this lot and go home.
- She handed me a bag of old clothes. "Could you take this lot to the charity shop for me?''
- She seems happy enough with her lot in life.
- The car stopped outside a used car lot at the end of the street.
- We've got another lot of visitors coming this weekend.
- We used to play baseball in the vacant lot.
Longman Language Activatora large amount of something
· If you plan carefully, a trip to Europe doesn't have to cost a lot.a lot of · We spent a lot of time just lying on the beach.· The book contains a lot of useful advice about setting up your own business.a whole lot/an awful lot (=a very large amount) · To most Americans, $150,000 sounds like a whole lot of money.quite a lot (=a fairly large amount of something) · Helen looks as if she's lost quite a lot of weight recently - is she on a diet?a lot more/less · Ask Susan - she knows a lot more about computers than I do.a lot to do/see/learn etc · We've painted the kitchen and the living room, but there's a lot to do in the other rooms.
informal a large amount of something: · "How much money did you bring with you?" "Lots."lots of: · It's a big house, so we've got lots of room for company.· There was lots of blood, but I don't think anyone got killed.lots and lots: · You can't afford to stay there unless you've got lots and lots of money.lots to see/do/learn etc: · You won't be bored - there's lots to do here.lots more/less: · There's lots more beer in the cooler if you want some.
use this especially in questions and negatives. Much is also used in positive sentences in written English and in formal spoken English: · Do you know much about cars?much pleasure/hope/sense etc: · It gives us much pleasure to announce the names of the winners.· Her answer didn't make much sense to me.so much: · There was so much noise outside, I could hardly hear what she was saying.too much: · I think Perry's had a little too much wine.much to do/see/learn etc: · She never seems to have much to say.· He's very young and still has much to learn about how to deal with employees.much more/less: · We've had much less rain this year than last year.much of (=a large part of something): · Much of Bangladesh remains flooded after last week's torrential rains.
a large amount of something such as time, money, effort, or knowledge: · We already know a great deal about the planet Jupiter.a great/a good deal of: · The job requires a great deal of patience and skill.· It sounds like a simple experiment, but it required a great deal of effort.· There's a good deal of evidence to show that eating red meat can cause heart disease.a great/a good deal more/less: · Audiences have responded to his latest show with a great deal more enthusiasm.
also a fair bit British a large amount of something compared with the total amount that you have: · Don knows a fair bit about managing a company. quite a bit/a fair amount of: · I wasted a fair amount of time before I figured out what was wrong with the car.· There's been quite a bit of conflict between the new director and his staff.quite a bit/a fair amount more/less: · The tickets will cost quite a bit less money if you stay over the weekend.
also loads especially British, /masses British informal a very large amount of something: · "How much space is there in the back of your car?" "Masses."· It was a fantastic meal - there was loads to eat.tons of: · He made tons of money at some computer company.· She's a great athlete with loads of talent.· I've got tons of homework to do this weekend.tons and tons/loads and loads etc: · There's tons and tons of information on the Internet if you're willing to look for it.
British informal a large amount of something, especially work or money: · "How much money have you saved?" "Oh, stacks!"· I have piles to do when I get home tonight.piles/heaps/stacks of: · Her family is very rich - they have heaps of money.
a large amount of something such as work, debt, or information: · We had to complete a mountain of paperwork to get the loan.· The economies of Third World countries are often crippled by huge mountains of debt which they will never be able to repay.
a lot or in very large amounts, especially when this is worse than expected: heavy rain/snow/traffic/fighting/losses/taxation: · The match went ahead despite the heavy rain.· It was a fierce battle, and losses on both sides were heavy.· Traffic was really heavy this morning - it took me over an hour to get here.
informal a large amount of money: · He lost a bundle in the stock market.a bundle of: · If you end up hiring a lawyer, it could cost you a bundle of money.
a large number of things or people · I was surprised so few people were at the concert - I thought there'd be a lot there.a lot of · A lot of tourists visit Venice in the summer.· John has lived in a lot of different places.a lot more/fewer/less · I'm sure she has a lot more problems than I have.quite a lot · There were quite a lot of words that I couldn't understand.a whole lot/an awful lot · An awful lot of his customers are unhappy with his work.
informal a lot of people or things: · "Have you gotten any responses to your ad?" "Yeah - lots."lots of: · I've invited lots of people.· She asked lots of questions during the interview.lots and lots of: · They've planted lots and lots of flowers in the back yard.lots more/fewer/less: · We get lots more people in the bar on Fridays.
use this especially in questions and negative sentences. Many is also used in positive sentences in written English and in formal spoken English.: many questions/people/cars/thoughts etc: · Did you get many Christmas cards this year?· I don't know many people here, do you?not many: · Not many people survived the crash.so many: · There were so many people at the party, I never even saw Will.too many: · They've got too many rules for me to remember them all.many of (=many among a large number of people or things): · Many of the paintings burned, but the most valuable ones were saved.for many years: · She worked as a reporter with CBS news for many years.in many ways/places/cases etc: · There will be rain in many parts of the country tonight.many more/fewer/less: · We've had many fewer complaints since Doug took over the department.the many: · The report hardly mentions the many patients who have benefited from the treatment.a good many: · A good many scientists were opposed to the use of the bomb.many a person/place/thing: · I've spent many a happy morning fishing from this spot.
a lot of a particular type of person or thing - used especially in newspapers and official reports: · Police seized a large number of weapons.· Large numbers of demonstrators were arrested during today's protest march.
also loads especially British, /masses British informal a lot of people or things: · "How many strawberries did you pick?" "Masses!"tons of: · You can borrow one of my books if you want - I have tons of them.· The beach was really crowded - there were loads of people from all over Europe.loads and loads/tons and tons etc: · There were loads and loads of empty seats at the game - I was kind of surprised.
American informal a lot of people or things: · "Do you have any markers I could borrow?" "I've got a bunch - what colors do you need?"a bunch of: · Rita finally showed up with a bunch of her friends.· I went to a bunch of different stores but I couldn't find a coat I liked.a whole bunch: · A whole bunch of us are going to the beach - you want to come along?
a large number of people, things etc but not usually more than a hundred: · At least five people died and dozens more were injured in a gas explosion just outside Paris.dozens of: · Since we put the advertisement in the paper we've had dozens of phone calls.· Baldwin was the author of six novels, four plays and dozens of essays and poems.dozens and dozens: · The women see dozens and dozens of movies a year.
formal many: · The same problem has occurred before on numerous occasions.· Numerous books and movies have dealt with the issue of wife abuse.too numerous to list/mention/name etc (=so many that you cannot say all of them): · I want to thank all the people, too numerous to mention, who've helped me win this election.
a large number of things or people, especially when this is impressive or surprising: · AIDS can indirectly result in a host of other illnesses.· Since he was elected, the president has been faced with a host of difficult problems.a whole host of: · Their newest compact model has a whole host of exciting new features.
a fairly large number of people, things etc: · He's been working at the company for quite a few years.· There have been quite a few accidents on this stretch of road.· "How many people are coming to the party?" "Oh, quite a few."quite a few of: · She knows quite a few of the people who work at the hospital.
especially American a large number of ideas, opinions, suggestions etc: · The President has a raft of new proposals for dealing with inner city decay.a whole raft of: · By the end of the meeting we had a whole raft of new ideas for expansion.
: multi-coloured/multi-national/multi-storey/multi-racial/multi-purpose/multi-million dollar etc having or involving many colours, countries etc: · My new office is in a multi-storey building.· The company is a multi-national corporation, which has branches all over the world.· Russia has moved from a one-party dictatorship to a multi-party system of government.
: multiple injuries/wounds/burns/fractures in many parts of the body: · She suffered multiple injuries after jumping out of a fifth floor window.· Lauda was pulled from his blazing car with multiple burns.
a very large number of people or things a lot of things or people - use this when you want to emphasize that you are talking about a very large number. You can use this informally when the number is actually less than a hundred: · Hundreds were left homeless by the flood.hundreds/thousands of: · I've seen that movie hundreds of times.· It will cost thousands of dollars to repair the house.· From the 1880s to the early 1900s thousands of workers came to Hawaii from Japan.hundreds and hundreds/thousands and thousandsalso hundreds upon hundreds/thousands upon thousands: · The temple was filled with hundreds and hundreds of lanterns.by the hundreds/thousands: · Starving animals in the region are dying by the thousands.
use this when you want to emphasize that you are talking about something important: · We have seen a great many changes in the last twenty years.· There are still a great many questions that remain unanswered.a great many of: · The fire had destroyed a great many of the family's possessions.
an extremely large number of things or people, that cannot be counted or imagined: · The mountains around the lake are filled with countless hiking trails.· There are innumerable variations on the folktale, but the basic story is the same throughout Europe.countless millions (=an extremely large group of people): · His music has brought joy to countless millions.
informal an extremely large number of things of different types - use this especially when you think there are too many things: · When my parents come to stay with us, they bring everything but the kitchen sink!· Chatham refused to participate in what he called "everything but the kitchen sink" art shows.
more than enough of something that people need or want a lot of something or a lot of things or people, especially more than enough: · No thanks, I couldn't eat any more. I've had plenty.plenty of: · There's plenty of room in the hall closet.· We have plenty of glasses, but not enough plates.plenty to do/eat/talk about etc: · The two men had plenty to talk about.plenty of something to do something: · There's still plenty of time to take a walk or a bike ride before dinner.
more than you need - sometimes used to mean there is too much: · Here's some money for the ticket - $25 should be more than enough.more than enough something for somebody: · There's more than enough food for everyone.more than enough to do/think about etc: · I can't help with the planning. I've more than enough to do already.more than enough to do something: · He makes more than enough to live comfortably on.more than enough something to do something: · Supporters have gathered more than enough signatures to put Fordham on the ballot.
British informal a lot or more than enough of something that you need or want: · Don't rush; we've got bags of time.· The new manager is tremendously enthusiastic, and he's got bags of new ideas.
more than enough: · These documents provide ample evidence of their guilt.· The program would ensure that Arizona has an ample supply of water for the next 20 years.ample time/opportunity etc to do something: · You will have ample opportunity to express your opinions during the debate.
if something such as food or water is plentiful , there is more than enough of it available: · During the summer tomatoes are plentiful and cheap.· The river provides a plentiful supply of clean water to nearby villages.
formal a large quantity of something, usually more than is needed: · This book contains an abundance of valuable information.· An abundance of fruits and vegetables grow in Kenya's temperate climate.
formal existing in large quantities so that there is more than enough: · Latin America has an abundant labor force and natural resources.· During the 18th century land was cheap, grain was plentiful, and meat was abundant.abundant in: · Plant fossils are abundant in some types of rock.
available in large quantities - used especially in advertisements about something that people may want : · There are bargains galore in our summer sale.· Lots of fun for the kids! Rides and games galore!
a lot of unpleasant events in a short period of time · An alarming spate of bombings has caused widespread panic.· The company has yet to respond to the recent spate of lawsuits filed against it.· The party lost power three years ago after a spate of political scandals.
a lot of unpleasant activity of one particular kind which spreads quickly during a short period of time and which seems to be difficult to stop or control: epidemic of: · The recent epidemic of car thefts has been blamed on bored teenagers.reach epidemic proportions (=become like an epidemic): · Alcohol abuse has reached epidemic proportions in this country.
a large number of unpleasant events or a particular kind that happen in a short period of time in many different places: · Emergency officials worry that the region may again be hit by a rash of wildfires this fall.· Experts are not sure what is causing the recent rash of mountain lion sightings.
a lot of unpleasant activity or actions suddenly becoming worse and increasing in a short period of time: wave of: · Security chiefs fear a new wave of terrorist bombings.· The country has been brought to a standstill by the latest wave of strikes.crime wave: · The mayor has promised tough action in response to the city's rising crime wave.
a lot of people or things all arriving at the same time a very large amount of something or a very large number of things or people arriving in a short period of time: · Many fear that the flood of imports could weaken Britain's economy.· The town has been hit by a flood of visitors since it was featured in the movie.· The company was launched amid a flood of publicity a year ago.
a sudden increase in the number of people or things all arriving at the same time: · There was a great wave of immigrants to the U.S. at the beginning of the 20th century.· Students are responsible for sparking the latest wave of demonstrations.
a very large number of messages, letters etc all arriving suddenly at the same time, especially when there are too many: · He received a deluge of telegrams and messages of support from around the world.· Insurance companies are bracing themselves for an avalanche of claims following the hurricane.
when a lot of people or things do something at the same time use this to say that a lot of people or things do something, or go or appear somewhere all at the same time: · During the dry season animals gather in large numbers around the water holes.· Young people are leaving the countryside and moving to the city in large numbers.
if people go somewhere in droves , they go in large numbers especially when this surprises you: · Nurses are leaving the profession in droves.· People came in droves to watch the fireworks display.
if people go somewhere in force or in strength a lot of them go together so that there is a large number of them in a particular place: · The police arrived in force to break up the crowd of demonstrators.· If Latino voters turn out in strength for the next election, results could be very different.
if people do something by the hundreds or by the thousands very large groups of them are doing it at the same time: · People in the drought-stricken region are dying by the hundreds.· From all over the country, people came by the thousands to pay respect to their dead leader.
if messages, events etc come thick and fast , a lot of them suddenly come or happen in a short time: · At first no one was interested in the job but now applications are coming in thick and fast.· Rumours flew thick and fast that the company was going to be sold.
to be dying or suddenly becoming ill in large numbers: · In the middle of the cholera epidemic, people were dropping like flies.· When Sam reached 70, it seemed his friends started dying like flies.
when there is a lot of something in many areas if an object, animal, disease etc is common , there is a very large number or amount of objects, animals etc of this type in many different places: · Jones is a very common name in Britain.· Flatheads are a common type of fish and good to eat.· Malaria is particularly common near swamps where mosquitoes can breed.
having an effect on a lot of people over a wide area: · Poverty in the region is widespread.widespread damage/flooding/poverty etc: · Heavy rains have led to the most widespread flooding in a decade.· Ethiopia was suffering widespread famine and disease.
covering a large area or a large range of information, ideas etc: · Damage to the forests from the wildfires was extensive.· The ancient Greeks had an extensive knowledge of the stars.· Abortion has been the subject of extensive debate in the US.
done or believed by a lot of people · Using "lay" instead of "lie" is a very common mistake.· It's becoming more and more common for women to keep their family name when they marry.· My daughter says politics is boring, which is a common attitude among teenagers.
done, believed, or felt by a lot of ordinary people have: · There is still a lot of popular support for the ex-president.· I don't accept the popular view that all criminals should be put in prison.contrary to popular belief (=the opposite of what most ordinary people believe): · Contrary to popular belief, the Australian desert is often full of wildlife.
done, believed or felt by a lot of people in many different places: · There was now widespread public support for healthcare reform.· The airlines' failures were in part caused by widespread concern about air safety.· The practice of adding preservatives to basic foods is widespread.
: widely accepted/believed/known/practised/used etc done, believed or felt by a lot of people in many different places: · Silicon Valley is widely known as California's high-tech center.· A hundred years ago it was widely believed that there was life on Mars.· Asbestos was once widely used in the building industry.
when someone does something a lot · I'm really glad to meet you. Betty's talked a lot about you.· He really sweats a lot in hot weather like this.a whole lot/an awful lot · We didn't do an awful lot while Geraldine was here.quite a lot · He laughed quite a lot as he spoke.
use this in questions and negatives: · I haven't thought much about it.· Do you talk to Leslie much anymore?
formal a lot: · I've thought a good deal about what you said.· Her knee makes it impossible to run, but she still walks a great deal.
also a fair bit British fairly often or in fairly large amounts: · You've been travelling quite a bit lately, haven't you?· I exercise a fair amount - especially on weekends.· You have to stand around a fair bit in this job.
: heavy smoking/drinking smoking or drinking a lot, especially when this is bad for your health: · She has a bad cough, caused by heavy smoking.· The three soldiers are accused of killing the woman after a night of heavy drinking.be a heavy smoker/drinker (=smoke or drink a lot): · His first wife Joy was a heavy smoker who died of lung cancer.
containing a lot of something if something is full of people or things, there are a lot of them in it: · In summer the town is full of tourists.· Her essay was full of mistakes.be chock full of something (=be completely full of something): · The pamphlet is chock full of advice for people travelling abroad.
something that is high in fat, sugar, salt etc contains a lot of fat, sugar etc: high in: · The cereal is high in fiber and contains plenty of vitamin B.high-fat/-sugar/-cholesterol etc: · I try to eat a low-fat, high-protein diet.high metal/calcium/oxygen etc content: · The high oxygen content of Earth's atmosphere makes life here possible.
something that is rich in a useful or valuable substance such as oil or iron, contains a lot of oil, iron etc: rich in: · Spinach is rich in iron and very good for you.· The land in this area is rich in minerals and ideal for growing crops.oil-rich/copper-rich/diamond-rich etc: · Numerous companies sprang up employing thousands to work the oil-rich fields of Texas.
producing a lot doing a job efficiently with good results, especially by producing a large quantity of something: · We should do something to reward our most productive employees.· The local paper factory has been forced to become more productive or face closure.
a writer or artist who is prolific produces a large number of works: · Ansle is a prolific writer of more than 200 romances.· As an artist, Benton was prolific - more than 1,900 drawings were found in his studio after his death.
when there is a lot of unpleasant activity if something bad or unpleasant is rife , it is very common. If a place, situation, or activity is rife with something bad or unpleasant, the bad or unpleasant thing is very common there: · Foreigners doing business in the city say that corruption is rife there.be rife with: · The neighborhood is rife with illegal drug activity and violence.
use this about a place where there is a lot of an activity, especially a bad or violent one: · The political party has become a hotbed of nationalism and racial bigotry.· The exhibition's use of religious symbols has made it a hotbed of controversy.
very much very much: · She's changed a lot since she's been here.· "How does your arm feel?" "It still hurts a lot."· I like her a lot, but I don't think I'm in love with her.a lot better/worse/bigger/more etc: · Their new house is a lot bigger than their old one.· The tickets were a lot more expensive than we expected.a whole lot/an awful lot: · I like the people a whole lot, but the pay isn't very good.
use this especially to talk about people's feelings: · "Do you like living in Rome?" "Yes, very much."like/admire/miss etc somebody very much: · Lara liked being at college, but she missed her family very much.like/enjoy something very much: · We enjoyed the play very much - it was really well done.very much wish/hope/doubt etc formal: · I doubt very much that he'll still be here in November.
formal very much - use this especially to talk about changes, improvements, or differences: · Her work has improved a good deal over the past year.· By the next morning the swelling had already gone down a great deal.a good/great deal better/worse/bigger/more etc: · The situation was a good deal worse than we had first thought.
/a fair bit British by a fairly large degree: · She's quite a bit shorter than I remembered.· Jim has improved quite a bit since he came home from the hospital.· The estimates were a fair bit higher than what the final figure was.
especially spoken a lot - use this especially to talk about your feelings: · I really like your new haircut.· We really enjoy having a few friends over for dinner every once in a while.· What really annoys me is the way he never apologizes when he's late.
formal a lot: · We greatly regret having caused you so much trouble and inconvenience.· The recent talks have greatly improved relations between North and South Korea.· I think we have all benefited greatly from Helen's knowledge and experience.be greatly affected/amused/influenced etc: · The students were greatly amused by Professor Unwin's remark.· Critics say that the report's figures are greatly exaggerated.
use this especially when you are saying how much you love, want, or admire something or someone: · It's two years since Tony died. I miss him so much.· I wanted so much to go with him, but he wouldn't let me come.· Wordsworth returned to the lakes and hills that he loved so much.so much better/worse/more etc: · I really like the living room arranged this way so much better than the way we used to have it.
use this in questions and negatives and in comparisons and before phrases with 'too': · Has he changed much?· "Did you enjoy the show?" "Not much."much better/worse/bigger/more etc: · You get a much better view if you stand on a chair.· His family is much more important to him than his career.much too big/old/tall etc: · The test was much too difficult for most of the students.· You're working much too hard, and you're letting the boss take advantage of you.
use this to emphasize that you mean 'very much': · His English has improved tremendously.· I admire your mother enormously.· Prices can vary enormously from state to state.· Since the law was changed, the number of credit unions has grown tremendously.
use this when you are talking about a change or difference that is big enough to be important: · In New York and Los Angeles violent crime decreased significantly.· All ovens are different, and cooking times can vary significantly.significantly higher/lower/more etc: · Students who had completed the program scored significantly higher on standardized tests.
all of a group of things or people all the things or people in a group: · There was no one in the office -- they were all having lunch.· The new government has banned all political parties.we/you/them etc all: · He thanked us all for coming.· I've read five of his books, and I'm not going to stop until I've read them all.all the/these/their/my etc: · Did you take all these pictures yourself?· All his clothes were spread around the room.· All the teachers in my school are women.all of: · I've used up all of my traveler's checks.· She invited all of her friends to the party.almost/nearly all: · The Prime Minister's plan would cut almost all subsidies to state-run industries.· Nearly all news organizations have refused to broadcast the victim's name during the trial.all dogs/cars/children etc (=use this to make a general statement about things or people of the same kind): · All mammals are warm-blooded.· All cars over 5 years old must have a test certificate.
all the things in a group, or all the things that someone says or does: · The customs officer asked us to take everything out of our suitcases.· Don't believe everything you read in the newspapers.· Everything in the store costs less than $10.everything else (=all other things): · I have a tent and a sleeping-bag, and Ben said he'd lend me everything else I need for the camping trip.
all people or all the people in a particular group: · I think everyone enjoyed the party.· If everybody is ready, I'll begin.· Why is everyone so excited about this tax cut?
British informal all the things in a group or set, considered together: · I left my purse with my cheque book and car keys on the kitchen table and thieves broke in and stole the lot.· Janine bought four cream cakes, but her friends didn't turn up for dinner so she ate the lot herself.
all -- used only with singular nouns: · Every room in the house was painted white.· She bought presents for every member of her family.every single (=use this to emphasize that you really mean everyone or everything, especially when this is surprising): · It rained every single day of our vacation.every single one/every last one: · The police questioned every single one of the passengers on the plane.
all -- use this to emphasize that you mean every separate person or thing in a group: · She had a ring on each finger of her right hand.· They read through each job application very carefully.· The president shook hands with each member of the team.each of: · We will consider each of these questions in turn.· She gave each of them a plate of food.each one: · George and Elizabeth had visited 15 apartments and had found something wrong with each one.in/for/to etc each: · She dug several tiny holes in the soil, planting a seed in each.we/they/us etc each: · My brother and I each have our own room.· She gave us each a pen and a piece of paper.
formal use this to say that something is true of every single one of the people or things in a large group: · Every department in this city, without exception, has experienced cutbacks.almost without exception: · Economists agreed on the President's proposal, almost without exception.
spoken informal everything in a group of similar things or all the things that are needed for a particular activity: · "What would you like on your hotdog -- mustard, ketchup, relish?" "Give me the works."· The school needs new computers, calculators, chairs, cooking utensils...basically, the works.
also the whole nine yards American spoken informal everything that you could possibly want, or expect to have: · He bought the computer, the printer, and the modem - the whole shebang.· It sounds like a great job offer -- benefits, retirement, the whole enchilada.· The guy in immigration wanted to see the whole nine yards -- passport, birth certificate, driver's license.
an area used for a particular purpose an area in a house, garden, office etc that is used for a particular purpose, although it is not completely separate: · Their apartment has a large kitchen area.· The boat has a sleeping area at one end.smoking/non-smoking area: · There's a smoking area behind the building.
American an area outdoors that is used for a particular purpose, for example selling a particular type of thing: · The car stopped outside a used-car lot at the end of the street.parking lot (=for parking cars)
an empty area a small empty area which is available for you to sit down in, stand in, leave your car in, etc: · There's a space over there by the bar where we can sit down.· I couldn't find an empty space in the car park.
a small empty area of land in the middle of a forest or wood, especially where the trees have been cut down: · A small deer stood on the edge of the clearing.· In the clearing, there was a small cottage.
American an empty outdoor area in a town or city where nothing has been built yet and that is not being used for any particular purpose at the moment: · A bunch of kids were playing basketball in a vacant lot.· With real estate prices rising, vacant lots in the area are selling for as much as $75,000.
a busy person having a lot of things you should do: · She's very busy -- it's her daughter's wedding next week.· Angela was becoming more and more unhappy, but her husband was too busy to notice.· Not now Stephen, I'm busy.busy doing something: · Critics say the mayor is too busy campaigning to do his job properly.busy with: · She was busy with business matters so we decided not to burden her with our problems.keep somebody busy: · He's retired now, but his work for the youth club keeps him busy.
to have to do a lot of things, and need to hurry or work hard: · I'm sorry I can't talk -- I have a lot to do before my wife gets home.an awful lot to do (=used to emphasize you have a lot to do): · Let's get started. We have an awful lot to do and not much time to do it.
British have a lot going on American to be busy, especially because you have arranged to do a lot of things during a short period: · He says he'll try and see you as soon as possible, but he has a lot going on this afternoon.· We've got so much on at work I couldn't possibly go on holiday now.
especially British, spoken to be very busy and always in a hurry, because you have a lot of things to do: · It's my son's birthday party tomorrow. I've been absolutely rushed off my feet getting ready for it.· All the sales assistants are run off their feet. The shop ought to take on more staff.
especially spoken to be extremely busy because you have a lot of work to do in your job: · I'm sorry I can't talk to you now -- I'm up to my neck in paperwork.· Teachers nowadays are up to their ears in administration and don't have much time for teaching.
to be very busy, especially because other people are making you work hard, or because you have to do something by a particular time: · Jerry says he's under a lot of pressure at the moment from his boss.work under pressure: · Some people don't work well under pressure.
especially British to be extremely busy and hardly able to deal with all the work you have to do: · Don't expect any help from them -- they're snowed under at the moment.be snowed under with: · Since the hurricane, builders and roofers have been snowed under with work.
spoken to be very busy for a period of time, especially when this makes you tired: · I've been on the go all week -- I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend now.· She's always on the go. I don't know how she does it.
to be busy because you have to deal with a lot of different jobs or problems, so that you do not have time to do anything else: · I'm sorry I can't help you -- I have my hands full right now.have your hands full with: · You must have your hands full with all this work to do and the children to look after.have your hands full doing something: · The Mexican government had its hands full fighting a war on three fronts.
all the people in a group all the people in a group, or people in general. Everyone is slightly more formal than everybody: · I think everyone enjoyed the party.· Everybody knows that too much fatty food is bad for you.· Help yourselves, there's plenty of food for everyone.everyone/everybody else (=all the other people): · I take lots of photographs of everybody else, but I don't have many of me.everyone but Ann/Mark/me etc (=all the people except Ann, Mark etc): · He blames everyone but himself for his problems.
every person in a group: · There was no-one in the office - they were all having lunch.all the/these/their/my etc: · John spoke for all the workers.· All my friends like my boyfriend.we all/you all/them all/us all: · We all felt tired so we didn't go out.· I decided to give them all another chance.all of: · Come in, all of you.· All of our great leaders have had reputations for being difficult to work with.all children/teachers etc (=used for making a general statement about people of the same kind): · All children love candy.almost/nearly all: · Nowadays, almost all employers will expect to see your CV before they call you for an interview.
everyone in the world, town, office etc - use this to emphasize that everyone is included: · On 13th May, Churchill spoke from London and the whole world listened.· Keep your voice down, you don't have to tell the whole office.· The whole town has been affected by this disaster. Everyone knows someone who died.
British spoken all the people in a group - use this especially when you do not like those people: · I hate the lot of them.· "Outside, the lot of you!'' he shouted.· Those two have tricked the lot of us.
use this to mean everyone in a group of people when you want to show that none of the people are important in any way: · Her sister told her mother, who then told all and sundry.· After the book signing Clancy stood around talking to all and sundry.
British all around American if there are smiles, tears etc all round , everyone in the group smiles, cries etc: · There were smiles all round as he stood up to make his speech.· There were tears all round when the time came for him to leave.· It was compliments all around as security operators celebrated a virtually trouble-free day.
a group of people who are similar or have similar ideas a number of people who are similar in some way, or who have the same ideas and aims: · Their policy was to keep demonstrators from different political groups apart.group of: · The factory was burned down by a group of animal-rights activists.
British informal a group of people - use this especially about people that you do not like or do not approve of: · I don't like her new friends - they're a snobbish lot.lot of: · We've got another lot of visitors coming this weekend.that lot (=use this to show disapproval) spoken: · Don't take any notice of that lot, they're just ignorant.
a group of people, especially people who you think are strange or unusual: collection/assortment of: · There was an interesting collection of people at the wedding.· Jack brought an odd collection of characters home from the racetrack.· We shared the train compartment with an odd assortment of fellow travellers.
: the criminal/student/fascist etc element a group of people who have the same ideas, aims, beliefs etc that are different from those of a larger group - use this especially about people you do not like or agree with: · The chief had been warned that there were criminal elements within the Security Police.· They seem to be trying to get rid of all left-wing elements in the party.· The committee agreed on the need to get rid of the hooligan element amongst football supporters.
a large group of people who share the same ideas and beliefs, and who work together to achieve something important: · She was active in a number of political movements, including the campaign to end slavery.the peace/environmental/women's etc movement: · One of the leaders of the pro-democracy movement has been arrested.· The aim of the civil rights movement was to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms.
a group of artists, writers etc who share the same ideas, style of work etc: · There is no denying the influence of the Impressionist school in his painting.· He seems to be very much part of the Marxist school in his approach to politics.school of thought (=a group of people who believe in the same theory, idea etc): · One school of thought argues that introducing stiffer penalties would bring the crime rate down.
: literary/political/academic etc circles people who work in or are interested in literature, politics etc: · By 1920 she had written two novels, and had succeeded in winning recognition in literary circles. · It was the 1960s, and the military had become unpopular among academic and intellectual circles.
a group of people who are all dealt with together at the same time, for example because they are all starting something together: batch of: · The latest batch of new recruits had just arrived at the camp.
a number of things thought of as a group a number of separate things that are thought of as a group because they are close together or are all similar in some way: group of: · The house was hidden behind a tall group of trees.· News International is a group of companies that produce newspapers and TV programmes.· A group of new houses is to be built on the old playing-field.· Today you will learn a new group of verbs.
a group of similar things that are used together, or a group of ideas, facts etc: · a chess set· a cutlery setset of: · Amy bought him a set of tools for metal and woodworking.· I gave a spare set of house keys to my neighbours.· The first set of questions wasn't too bad, but they got really difficult after that.· We started the meeting by agreeing on a set of objectives.
a group of similar things that have been put together because they are interesting or attractive: collection of: · a collection of ancient Greek coins· The museum has a superb collection of Mexican pottery.art/stamp/postcard etc collection: · Have you seen her CD collection - it's enormous!
British informal a group of things: this lot/that lot: · She handed me a bag of old clothes. "Could you take this lot to the charity shop for me?''· Right lads, let's pick up this lot and go home.· Bring that lot over here, will you?
a group of things of different types, or different things of one type, mixed together: assortment of: · On the floor was an assortment of boxes and packages.· The soldier received a parcel containing an assortment of shirts, biscuits, and canned food.
a small group of things of the same type that are close to each other: cluster of: · From the airplane we could already see little clusters of houses.· It's an attractive shrub with dark shiny leaves, that has clusters of white flowers in early June.· The adult female lays large clusters of eggs.in clusters: · Most galaxies are found in clusters rather than in isolation.
a group of things of the same type that are made or dealt with at the same time: · Sort the files into batches and give one batch to each secretary.batch of: · The baker took a batch of freshly baked rolls out of the oven.· Mr Green, I have a batch of letters here for you to sign.
worth a lot of money worth a lot of money and expensive to buy or replace: · Don't lose this ring -- it's very valuable.· Besides her studio apartment, she also owns a valuable estate in Italy.· Rogers had purchased a valuable Hebrew manuscript from a dealer in Jerusalem.
something that is of great value is worth a lot of money, especially a personal possession such as a work of art or a piece of jewellery: · He has a few medals of great value.· The burglars stole the television and video, but nothing of great value.
informal if something is worth a lot, you can get a lot of money if you sell it: · You should look after those old dolls - one day they could be worth a lot.
if something is worth a fortune it is worth a very large amount of money: · He was very poor when he died, but now his paintings are worth a fortune.
: precious metal/stone a valuable metal such as gold or a jewel such as a diamond: · The robe was encrusted with precious metals and stones.
worth so much money that it is impossible to calculate the price - use this about objects that are old and rare such as paintings, furniture, or jewellery: · The house was full of priceless antiques.· a priceless oil painting
to feel worried all the time to have a lot of problems to worry about, especially when this means that you do not concentrate on other things: · Since the divorce, Linda's had a lot on her mind.· I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention, I have a lot on my mind at the moment.
to have a lot of work to do or have a lot of problems to deal with, so that you feel worried and tired or get upset easily: · Although I was under a strain, and drinking a lot at the time, I remember very clearly what happened.· This investigation has placed her under additional stress.be under a lot of stress/strain: · Mr Payne, have you been under a lot of stress recently?
informal so worried and tired from problems you have to deal with continuously that you cannot relax: · By the end of the tour, the band was totally stressed out.· One of my adult students was a stressed-out working mother.feel stressed out: · I'm trying to have a few early nights because I'm feeling stressed out at the moment.
worrying so much about a particular problem that you cannot think about anything else: · I admit I'm preoccupied and snappy at the moment -- I'm sorry.· Alison had entered the room, but he was too preoccupied to notice.look/seem preoccupied: · She seemed preoccupied and kept glancing toward the window.preoccupied look/expression etc: · Prajapat glanced up with a preoccupied smile, then went back to the map.preoccupied with: · He was far too preoccupied with his own marital difficulties to give any thought to his friend's problems.
someone who is paranoid is worried all the time that people do not like them, that bad things are going to happen to them etc, when this is not true: · I was so paranoid at one point, that I was refusing to answer the door.feel paranoid: · The mysterious phone calls were beginning to make him feel paranoid.paranoid about: · By 1982, he was so paranoid about his health that he wore plastic gloves at all times.
WORD SETSanimation, nounanimator, nounart director, nounart house, nounarts cinema, nounbiopic, nounblue movie, nounB-movie, nouncameo, nouncameraman, nouncartoon, nouncine-, adjectivecine-camera, nouncine-film, nouncinema, nouncinematic, adjectivecinematography, nounclip, nouncontinuity, nouncut, nouncutting room, noundirection, noundouble, noundouble bill, noundouble feature, nounepilogue, nounextra, nounfantasy, nounfarce, nounfeature, nounfeature film, nounfilm star, nounfilmstrip, nounflashback, nounflick, nounfootage, nounfreeze-frame, noungaffer, nounHollywood, home movie, nounhorror movie, nounimage, nounimagery, nounlip-synch, verblocation, nounlot, nounmatinée, nounmiscast, verbmotion picture, nounmovie, nounmoviegoer, nounmovie star, nounmovie theater, nounmoving picture, nounmultiplex, nounmusical, nounnarrator, nounnewsreel, nounoff-screen, adverbopening night, nounOscar, nounout-take, nounPG, nounpremiere, nounproject, verbprojection, nounprojectionist, nounprojector, nounprop, nounrating, nounreel, nounrelease, verbremake, nounremake, verbre-release, verbrerun, nounretake, nounrole, nounscreen, nounscreen, verbscreening, nounscreenplay, nounscreen test, nounscreenwriter, nounscriptwriter, nounset, nounshort, nounshot, nounshow, verbsilent, adjectiveslow motion, nounsoundtrack, nounspaghetti western, nounsplicer, nounsplit screen, nounstand-in, nounstill, nounstudio, nounstunt man, nounstunt woman, nountalkie, nountearjerker, nounTechnicolor, nountheatre, nountheme, noun3-D, adjectivetop-grossing, adjectivetrailer, nountravelogue, nounturkey, nounwestern, nounwhodunit, nounX, nounX-certificate, adjectiveX-rated, adjective
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I can’t believe you ate the whole lot. the vacant lot (=empty land) behind the Commercial Hotel In Athens at that time, judges were chosen by lot.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There were a lot of people at the party. I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about. An awful lot of people (=a large number of people) died in the war. We now have a much better understanding of the disease. I found I had a lot in common with these people. Social class matters a lot less than it used to. It costs much less to go by bus. He’s lost a lot of blood but his life is not in danger. It mattered a great deal to her what other people thought of her. The medal meant a lot to him. Sorry I forgot. I’ve got a lot on my mind (=a lot of problems to worry about) at the moment. Children generally feel much more confident working in groups. He travels around a lot more now that he has a car. She cares a lot more for her dogs than she does for me. Diane earns a lot more than I do. ‘I owe my parents a lot,’ he admitted. He took a lot of persuading to come out of retirement (=it was hard to persuade him). They’ve been seeing a lot of each other. Thanks a lot for the drink. There was only a vacant lot (=empty unused area of land in a city) where her house used to be.
I can’t believe you ate the whole lot. (=all of you, them, or us) Shut up, the lot of you!
Shut up, the lot of you! the vacant lot (=empty land) behind the Commercial Hotel In Athens at that time, judges were chosen by lot. There were a lot of people at the party. I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about.· She always had great admiration for people who could speak so many languages.
An awful lot of people (=a large number of people) died in the war. We now have a much better understanding of the disease. I found I had a lot in common with these people.· There's been a lot of controversy about the term 'victim'.
· Their hair products are really good but they cost a lot.
· Bright children often have a lot of curiosity.
(=have a good effect on something)· The new leisure centre has done a lot for the town’s image.
(also lots of fun)· The kids had a lot of fun singing and dancing.
· There has been a lot of interest in the story.
Social class matters a lot less than it used to. It costs much less to go by bus. He’s lost a lot of blood but his life is not in danger. (=used to say that you could make your situation much worse) These youngsters know they have too much to lose by protesting against the system.
These youngsters know they have too much to lose by protesting against the system. It mattered a great deal to her what other people thought of her. The medal meant a lot to him. Sorry I forgot. I’ve got a lot on my mind (=a lot of problems to worry about) at the moment.· Good food doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Children generally feel much more confident working in groups. He travels around a lot more now that he has a car. She cares a lot more for her dogs than she does for me. Diane earns a lot more than I do. (=things that are completely untrue)· ‘Don’t fill her head with a lot of nonsense,’ said her mother.
(=only a few, only a little etc) Not much is known about the disease. Not many people have read the report.
Not much is known about the disease. Not many people have read the report. ‘I owe my parents a lot,’ he admitted. He took a lot of persuading to come out of retirement (=it was hard to persuade him). They’ve been seeing a lot of each other. Thanks a lot for the drink. There was only a vacant lot (=empty unused area of land in a city) where her house used to be.· Conditions were much worse in rural areas.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► by lotPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the best of a bad lot/bunch► would give anything/a lot/your right arm etc for something► have nothing/not much/a lot etc going for somebody/something► love (from somebody)/lots of love/all my love► a lot/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) something► have a lot to say for yourself► take a lot out of you/take it out of you
1group of people/things [countable] a group of people or things considered together: - It is a curious turn around from the days when bondholders pleased to be bought out and were driving to drawing lots!
- She took it thoughtfully like some one choosing a straw when drawing lots.
- The players alternate between the white and black pieces and draw lots to determine who plays white in today's first game.
- Then we drew lots to decide the order in which we should improvise, night by night.
- They also took turns administering the city-state, drawing lots to settle who would take on which job.
- They drew lots to decide which should first seize his lady, and fortune favored Ephialtes.
- Was it to be done by casting lots?
- All you have to do is throw in your lot with me.
- At the next meeting of the Unionist Cabinet Ministers Boscawen threw in his lot with me.
- Desperate to win in the third most conservative state, Bush threw in his lot with the religious right.
- I suppose we are right to throw in our lot with them.
- Like Dudley Williams, Jamison threw in her lot with Alvin early on, at the start of her career.
- She threw in her lot with the Jowles.
- The Dance caught on everywhere, and eventually Sitting Bull himself threw in his lot with the shakers.
- I left my purse with my cheque book and car keys on the kitchen table and thieves broke in and stole the lot.
- Janine bought four cream cakes, but her friends didn't turn up for dinner so she ate the lot herself.
- That sister of yours has an awful lot to answer for.
- And yes, I know, even as a spectator, I was condoning the worst sort of behavior.
- But maybe that is the worst sort of wishful thinking.
- Domestic violence is insanity of the worst sort.
- He was a bad lot and it was just one of those things.
- I left to live with a boyfriend, who turned out to be a bad lot.
- If so, San Diego was among the worst of a bad lot.
- If they do not, they will be guilty of the worst sort of hypocrisy.
- The city's school system, among the worst of a bad lot through the state, is full of squabbling.
- Did you ever draw straws when you were a kid?
- It is a curious turn around from the days when bondholders pleased to be bought out and were driving to drawing lots!
- She took it thoughtfully like some one choosing a straw when drawing lots.
- The players alternate between the white and black pieces and draw lots to determine who plays white in today's first game.
- Then we drew lots to decide the order in which we should improvise, night by night.
- They drew lots to decide which should first seize his lady, and fortune favored Ephialtes.
- They also took turns administering the city-state, drawing lots to settle who would take on which job.
- A fat lot of good it did me!
- Frederick Bissett was a member of the Institute of Professional Scientists, and a fat lot of good that did him.
- Getting the pound down was what Labour governments did with metronomic regularity. Fat lot of good it did them.
- With her brains and good looks, she certainly has a lot going for her.
- Human travel agents, paper guidebooks and newspaper ads still have a lot going for them.
- Even kitchen utensils are being sold along with a job lot of washing machines, dryers and ironing machines for £200.
- He would, he said, take care of film and theatre reviews as a job lot if he got free tickets.
- I've still got 300 sets left over from that job lot I got the other Christmas.
- Bob's idea of a balanced diet left something to be desired.
- His treatment of capital and profits left much to be desired.
- On the campaign trail, his oratorical skills have left much to be desired.
- On theoretical grounds, however, it leaves much to be desired.
- The quality of research in the area of child abuse still leaves much to be desired.
- To some degree they have been hampered by courses of study and lesson plans thai leave something to be desired.
- While the woodwind and low strings were reasonably well replicated, the violins, timpani and brass left much to be desired.
- Yet, as a match, it left something to be desired.
- Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
- I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
- It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
- Kirchberg is where the peace and quiet is worth making a noise about.
- Beckham may have enough on his plate attempting to recapture his early-season form without being burdened with any extra responsibilities.
- A better day today, Miss Lavant wrote in her diary, quite a bit of sunshine.
- By no means, Watson; even now quite a few scientists continue to doubt.
- I lived quite a lot of my early childhood at the Thompsons' house behind a shop on Harehills Parade.
- Obviously, you have to wear quite a lot of protective clothing to minimise the risk of getting injured.
- Over 296 pages, Fallows cites quite a few.
- The man looks prosperous, like quite a few men.
- There's quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchens.
- There has been quite a lot of talk recently about adding enzymes to help the carp digest our sophisticated carp baits.
- "I forgot to bring your money." "Well, thanks a lot!"
- Gee, thanks a lot for saving me from Madonna in the morning.
- Hey, thanks a lot, Wyatt.
- Quite honestly I don't have a lot of time for any of them.
- A whole lot of meat went down those hungry throats.
- All parties suffered, yet it was difficult to generate a whole lot of pity for any of them.
- However, it did not take a whole lot of time to qualify my actions.
- I done buried a whole lot of people, but she the first one I ever wondered about.
- It was in weather like this that she had an urge to take the scissors and cut the whole lot off.
- Me, I've got to wire the whole lot in.
- Probably in the early afternoon, when visitors look a whole lot less suspicious.
- The whole lot is then regurgitated and given to mugs to drink.
- A.. There are some people whose physical and mental age is a whole lot younger than their nominal age.
- For every winner, there's a loser - or a whole lot of them, more likely.
- He wouldn't tell me a whole lot about what the countries were like, because he didn't know himself.
- However, it did not take a whole lot of time to qualify my actions.
- Inwardly he is a whole lot more.
- It was a whole lot better than the old pineapple.
- Now, doesn't that sound a whole lot more exciting than the next Prodigy video?
- Probably in the early afternoon, when visitors look a whole lot less suspicious.
- A.. There are some people whose physical and mental age is a whole lot younger than their nominal age.
- All parties suffered, yet it was difficult to generate a whole lot of pity for any of them.
- Being a real ex-Commie used to be a badge of honor among a whole lot of righties.
- He and the son have a whole lot sticking in their craw.
- He wouldn't tell me a whole lot about what the countries were like, because he didn't know himself.
- I said a whole lot of other stuff and I ended up getting severely told off.
- In reality, of course, it stands for something a whole lot less fierce-sounding - simply one's partner in life.
- Slick graphics slides can cost a whole lot more.
- And the whole lot smelt - a pervasive stench of damp and mildew.
- Do you read the whole lot, or read the first one and the last one and guess the rest?
- For a moment Clare felt like telling him not to bother, just chuck the whole lot away.
- Haven't got two original ideas to rub together between the whole lot of them.
- I was there to cover the whole lot, newly assigned as city reporter for the Nogales International.
- It must be the whole lot of them, the whole flock and there were hundreds in the field.
- Of course, we could sell the whole lot without the trouble of hanging them.
Could you help me carry this lot upstairs?lot of The last lot of people offered £70,000. I did three lots of exams last summer. Come on, you lot, hurry up! His friends are a strange lot.2the lot especially British English the whole of an amount or number of things, people etc: We’ll do everything – cooking, washing, ironing – the lot. I can’t believe you ate the whole lot. I think that’s the lot (=everything is included).the lot of you/them/us (=all of you, them, or us) Shut up, the lot of you!3somebody’s situation [singular] your lot is your work, duties, social position etc, especially when they could be better: She seems happy enough with her lot. The unions have always tried to improve the lot of their members.4land [countable] especially American English an area of land used for building on or for another purpose: the vacant lot (=empty land) behind the Commercial Hotel a used-car lot → parking lot5film [countable] a building and the land surrounding it where films are made SYN studio: the Universal Studios lot6thing to be sold [countable] something, or a group of things, that is sold at an auction: Lot 54 is a Victorian lamp.7choosing a)by lot if someone is chosen by lot, several people each take a piece of paper or an object from a container, and the person who is chosen is the one who gets a particular marked paper or object: In Athens at that time, judges were chosen by lot. b)draw/cast lots to choose something or someone by lot: We drew lots to decide who should go first.8throw in/cast your lot with somebody/something to join or support someone or something, and accept that what happens to them will affect what happens to you: In 1915 Italy threw in her lot with the Allies. → bad lot at bad1(21), → a job lot at job(18)- internist
- internment
- internship
- interpenetrate
- interpenetration
- interpersonal
- interplanetary
- interplay
- Interpol
- interpolate
- interpolation
- interpose
- interpret
- interpretation
- interpretative
- interpreter
- interpretive
- interracial
- InterRail
- InterRail pass
- interregnum
- interrelate
- interrelated
- interrelationship
- interrogate