Enough vs. a lot of

If you want to know the difference between ‘enough’ and ‘a lot of’ follow the article.

What Are Their Main Differences?

What are the differences between 'enough and 'a lot of'? It is an odd question to ask. Why? Because actually these two are separate from each other, and we can examine them one by one not together. Although we can find slight similarities between them. So, the main difference to mention relates to their meanings.

Differences

Structure

'Enough':

can have different grammatical functions. As a determiner it is used before plural countable nouns or uncountable nouns. As an adverb, it is used after an adjective or an adverb. 'Enough' as a pronoun, we are not allowed to use a noun after it.

You need enough amounts of water per day. → determiner

He is not mature enough to run a family. → adverb

It is enough. I don’t want to hear one more word. → pronoun

'A lot of':

can be a quantifier. It comes before a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun.

Bees make a lot of honey per day. → determiner

I have seen a lot of students on the first day of school. → determiner

Formal or Informal?

'A lot of' is considered informal. In a formal style using many, much, numerous, or plenty of is preferred. Remember, 'enough' as well is considered informal and the formal term for it is 'sufficient'.

A lot of soccer players donated money to the charity.

The formal way would be: "Plenty of soccer players donated money to the charity."

200 ml of water is enough to make the dough.

The formal way would be: "200 ml of water is sufficient to make the dough."

The Difference between 'a Lot of' and 'a Lot'

'A lot of' is followed by a noun, whether plural countable or uncountable. 'A lot' is used at the end of a sentence alone with no nouns following it, and it means 'too many' or 'too much'.

I have learned a lot of new vocabularies in this job.

I have learned a lot, in this class.

Similarities

'Enough' and 'a Lot of' as Quantifiers

'Enough' and 'a lot of':

can be both quantifiers and act as determiners. However, 'enough' can appear as an adverb or a pronoun too.

A lot of cars are produced every day.

You must spend enough money on this subject unless it won't work.

Where They Are Used

'Enough' and 'a lot of':

can be used in negative, affirmative, interrogative sentences. Despite, sometimes it is said that using 'many' and 'much' in negative and interrogative sentences is more common, 'a lot of' is flexible and can be used in all kinds of sentences, too.

They didn't tried enough to get the baby.

Do you have enough money for dinner?

I didn't use a lot of sugar this month. I swear.

Do you know a lot of tennis players?

Tip!

'Enough' means a sufficient amount.
'A lot of' means a large amount.

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