Diction: A Lot & All Right Writing Lab Diction: A Lot & All Right

A Lot vs. Alot Despite the popular misspelling, “a lot” is always two words. The preferred usage is to substitute “a lot” for “several” or “many.” Careful writers of standard English avoid the use of “a lot” altogether.

A Lot vs. Alot cont. INFORMAL: A lot of words in the English language are used interchangeably. FORMAL: Many words in the English language are used interchangeably.

All Right vs. Alright The only acceptable spelling is “all right” – two l’s and two words.

All Right vs. Alright cont. Everything seemed “all right” (not alright) until the argument began. One of my favorite songs from the sixties is “It’s All Right” by the Impressions.

Let’s Practice! Sam has (a lot/alot) of time on his hands. Jim says he feels (alright/all right). Sara thinks a lot/many people are bad drivers.

Answers Sam has a lot of time on his hands. Jim says he feels all right. Sara thinks many people are bad drivers.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson