"A lot" is two words! (elementary school, grade, teacher)

[sickofnyc]

I do not know about most people, but it drives me crazy that it is so ubiquitous to see "a lot" written as one word. I do not think it is a typo...I think that people are not bothering to remember very simple elementary school spelling and grammar. Please people, make an effort to appear a bit educated.

[Jmc89]

yep, I believe it is. I remember my teacher always reminding me of that. Kudos to most random thread!

[Tricky D]

Then again so is automobile which is comprised out of the words auto and mobile. Language is not written in stone.
It is alive, therefore susceptible to change over time.

[katenik]

that's not quite as annoying as "the reason is because..." i can still hear my 7th grade english teacher: "the reason is NOT because; that's why it's a reason!"

[skatealoneskatetogether]

alot of people dont see this as a big deal. me and alot of my friends feel this way. this is not an english class so relax bru.

[GCSTroop]

Originally Posted by katenik

that's not quite as annoying as "the reason is because..." i can still hear my 7th grade english teacher: "the reason is NOT because; that's why it's a reason!"

Errrr.... I'm guilty on all counts in regards to that one. I really do try hard to use proper grammar and spelling when I write, but there are some bad habits that are just hard to break.

[nicolepsy]

yes, whenever i type "alot" or "a lot" it makes me pause and wonder. so are we ever allowed to type "alot" or is "alot" not a word? please help!
thanks so much (seriously!)

[Mike in TN]

I'll never understand the grammar elitists.

[nicolepsy]

well, people will judge you on the way you speak so that is why alot (i mean er a lot) would like to do it correctly.

[Tricky D]

Somehow a lot always reminds me of Sir Lancelot of the famous Monty Phyton and the Holy Grail

Bridgekeeper: Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
Sir Lancelot: Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I am not afraid.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your name?
Sir Lancelot: My name is Sir Lancelot of Camelot.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?
Sir Lancelot: To seek the Holy Grail.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your favourite colour?
Sir Lancelot: Blue.
Bridgekeeper: Go on. Off you go.
Sir Lancelot: Oh, thank you. Thank you very much.
Sir Robin: That's easy.
Bridgekeeper: Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
Sir Robin: Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I'm not afraid.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your name?
Sir Robin: Sir Robin of Camelot.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?
Sir Robin: To seek the Holy Grail.
Bridgekeeper: What... is the capital of Assyria?
[pause]
Sir Robin: I don't know that.
[he is thrown over the edge into the volcano]
Sir Robin: Auuuuuuuugh.
Bridgekeeper: Stop. What... is your name?
Galahad: Sir Galahad of Camelot.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?
Galahad: I seek the Grail.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your favourite colour?
Galahad: Blue. No, yel...
[he is also thrown over the edge]
Galahad: auuuuuuuugh.
Bridgekeeper: Hee hee heh. Stop. What... is your name?
King Arthur: It is 'Arthur', King of the Britons.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?
King Arthur: To seek the Holy Grail.
Bridgekeeper: What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
King Arthur: What do you mean? An African or European swallow?
Bridgekeeper: Huh? I... I don't know that.
[he is thrown over]
Bridgekeeper: Auuuuuuuugh.
Sir Bedevere: How do know so much about swallows?
King Arthur: Well, you have to know these things when you're a king, you know.