fetch a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fetch a lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to retrieving or obtaining a significant quantity of something. Example: "The new software can fetch a lot of data from the database in just a few seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I've got an eBay teddy bear that might fetch a lot of money one day".

The New York Times

Julien said Capote fans and collectors had expressed interest in the ashes and predicted they would fetch "a lot more" than $6,000.

The Guardian - Books

If they have this variation and they're healthy, they could fetch a lot of money.

Vice

It's recommended that you hang on to your axes; they don't fetch a lot when sold and they're hard to come by, so cherish them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hence why I think this is a decent deal for the owner – an individual from Boston, MA – although a lot of professionals from the sector will argue that he could have fetched a lot more for this one.

TechCrunch

Carr occasionally sent Mr. Gambardello to Louie's East, an adjacent bar, to fetch a "Lou Carr Special" — a lot of vodka, a little Coke.

The New York Times - Books

Pressed wildflowers, dried vines, branches, or Chinese lanterns, or even long/large pinecones can fetch a tidy sum if you sell a lot of them individually.

WikiHow

"I like living too much, and that's why I'll outlive the lot of you," the old woman says, before getting up to fetch a blanket.

The New Yorker

Two lots down, it was the turn of a 1959 abstract painting by Pierre Soulages to fetch a large price, £4.33 million.

The New York Times - Arts

Salespeople helpfully fetch a different size.

The New York Times - Travel

It can fetch a five-figure sum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fetch a lot" to describe potential earnings, consider adding specific details about what is being sold or auctioned to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "fetch a lot" when simply referring to retrieving something; reserve it for situations where the retrieval implies a significant value, quantity, or effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fetch a lot" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates that something is likely to obtain a significant amount of money or value, usually in a sale or transaction. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage, confirming its common application in contexts involving potential earnings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fetch a lot" is a grammatically sound and acceptably used phrase that suggests something will yield a significant amount, typically in a financial context. Ludwig confirms this, demonstrating its use in discussions around auctions, sales, and potential earnings. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various reporting and informational contexts. Although it is not as common as other similar phrases, it's recognized and easily understood. When using the phrase, ensure the context involves a transactional situation. Consider other alternatives, such as "yield a significant amount", to vary your language. The provided examples and linguistic analysis should help ensure its correct and effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yield a significant amount

Replaces "fetch" with "yield", focusing on the result of producing a large quantity.

garner a considerable quantity

Uses "garner" to suggest collecting or accumulating a substantial amount.

bring in a large sum

Emphasizes the financial aspect of acquiring a significant amount of money.

obtain a substantial quantity

Replaces "fetch" with the more formal "obtain", maintaining the meaning of acquiring a significant amount.

command a high price

Focuses on the value or cost that something can achieve when sold.

accumulate a great deal

Highlights the process of gradually gathering a large quantity.

realize a large profit

Specifically refers to earning a substantial profit from a transaction.

attract considerable interest

Shifts the focus to generating significant attention or enthusiasm.

generate substantial revenue

Emphasizes the creation of a large amount of income.

draw a significant response

Indicates eliciting a strong reaction or reply from an audience.

FAQs

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

"Fetch a lot" typically describes something that will yield a significant amount of money or value. For example, "That vintage car could "fetch a lot" at auction."

What are some alternatives to saying "fetch a lot"?

Alternatives include "yield a significant amount", "garner a considerable quantity", or "bring in a large sum" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fetch a lot of money" or "earn a lot of money"?

"Fetch a lot of money" implies a one-time transaction where something is sold for a high price, whereas "earn a lot of money" suggests ongoing income. The best choice depends on the situation.

What's the difference between "fetch a lot" and "bring a lot"?

"Fetch a lot" usually implies obtaining something of value, often through a sale or transaction. "Bring a lot" is more general and simply means to bring a large quantity of something, without necessarily implying value.