a real lot

USAGE SUMMARY

"a real lot" is a common and acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the amount of something. For example, "I've been thinking about this a real lot lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"We do a real lot.

The New York Times

Only Lebanon.' Only Lebanon -- that's a lot, a real lot".

The New York Times

"I was so slow and tripping a real lot".

The New York Times

"It got nearly 350,000 page views, which for us is a real lot," says Eisner.

The Washington Post

"If you get a guy that can play a couple positions, it helps you out a real lot," Berra said.

The New York Times - Sports

However, for the average Jo anne) there's not a real lot to worry about here.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

ANDREW M. KING A Real Golfer A lot of the Cantor Fitzgerald crowd played golf.

The New York Times

I'm a real pro; a lot of people don't know what it's like to work with me.

Los Angeles Times

I think that makes me a real gardener: a lot of hope, love, prayer, water and sun!

HuffPost

It has been a real challenge on lots of different levels.

BBC

"He was a real nice guy, a lot nicer than Burt Reynolds".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real lot" in informal writing or speech when you want to emphasize the quantity or degree of something in a relatable way. For example, "I've been thinking about this a real lot lately."

Common error

Avoid using "a real lot" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound unprofessional. Opt for more formal alternatives like "a great deal" or "a significant amount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real lot" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree or quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression used to emphasize a substantial amount, similar to other intensifiers.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a real lot" is an acceptable and common expression used to emphasize quantity or degree, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis and informality to a statement. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be avoided in formal or academic writing, where alternatives like "a great deal" or "a significant amount" are more appropriate. It appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A great deal

Implies a significant quantity or amount, similar to "a real lot" but slightly more formal.

Quite a bit

Indicates a noticeable quantity, maintaining a similar level of informality as "a real lot".

A considerable amount

Highlights the substantial nature of the quantity, adding a touch of formality.

A large quantity

Directly states the magnitude of the amount, suitable for various contexts.

Significantly

Emphasizes the impact or extent of something, shifting the focus from quantity to effect.

Substantially

Similar to 'significantly', it denotes a considerable degree or amount.

To a great extent

Focuses on the degree to which something is true or possible.

In abundance

Highlights the plentiful nature of something, emphasizing availability.

Plenty

A concise way to indicate a sufficient or ample quantity.

Extensively

Describes something done in great detail or scope, shifting the focus to thoroughness.

FAQs

How can I use "a real lot" in a sentence?

You can use "a real lot" to emphasize quantity or degree, as in "I miss you "a real lot"" or "He knows "a real lot" about cars".

What phrases are similar to "a real lot"?

Alternatives to "a real lot" include "a great deal", "quite a bit", and "a considerable amount". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a real lot" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a real lot" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "a significant amount" or "to a great extent".

What's the difference between "a real lot" and "a lot"?

Adding "real" to "a lot" intensifies the meaning, emphasizing that the quantity or degree is substantial and genuine. "A lot" is already quite informal, so "a real lot" further amplifies that informality.