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In this lesson, we're gonna learn about one of the most common words in English. Let's go.
'A lot' mainly functions as both a pronoun and an adverb. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.
'A lot' as a Pronoun
As stated above, 'a lot' can function as a pronoun. Below, we are going to learn about the kind of pronoun it is:
'A lot' as an Indefinite Pronoun
When 'a lot' is used as a pronoun, it goes under the title of 'indefinite pronouns'. It is a quantifier because it shows the amount or quantity of something, not definite, though. We use it when we want to indicate that we have so much of something. Check out the following examples for more clarification:
I'm sorry professor, but
Position in a Sentence
Since 'a lot' is a pronoun here, it replaces nouns. So, it can function as both the subject and the object of the sentence. Check out the following examples:
I thought you said
Here, 'a lot' is the object of the verb.
Here, 'a lot' is the subject of the sentence.
Warning!
Note that when we use 'a lot of', it turns into a determiner and it precedes a noun. Compare:
They have
As you can see, 'a lot of' has come before a noun here.
I though you said
As you can see, 'a lot' is a pronoun here and there are no nouns after it.
'A lot' as an Adverb
As mentioned above, 'a lot' can also function as an adverb. Let us find out the kind of adverb it is:
'A lot' as an Adverb of Degree
Since 'a lot' shows the amount of something, it goes under the title of 'adverbs of degree'. We mainly use it to point out that we have so much of something. Below, we have provided examples for you. Look:
I heard she walks to the park
The Johnsons bake cookies
Position in a Sentence
As you are also familiar with, adverbs usually come after adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs to modify them. So, let us analyze some examples below:
I think Mike enjoys watching movies
He used to go shopping
Phrases with 'a lot'
We have a few phrases with 'a lot' in the English language. Below, we will learn all about them:
- A lot of: This one is more informal than 'a lot'. We can use it before a plural noun. Look:
I can see
- Lots of: This one is the most informal one in comparison with the other two. However, it indicates a large amount of something. Look:
The Jonathans saw
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