a lot
More than some
A lot means a large amount or to a great degree: I like her a lot, There's a lot riding on this decision.
The two-word spelling is standard; "alot" is a common error.
A lot of functions as a determiner before nouns: a lot of people, a lot of trouble.
The phrase is informal but appears everywhere.
Great quantity or degree
- manyA large quantity
- plentySufficient quantity, and then some
- abundanceAmple supply, overflowing
- tonsLarge quantities, informally
loads · heaps · masses · multitude · scores · numerous · countless · oodles
At frequent intervals
- frequentlyHappening many times
- regularlyAt fixed intervals
- commonlyWith frequent occurrence
- repeatedlyMany times over
habitually · consistently · routinely · constantly · persistently · recurrently · customarily · periodically
much
Great quantity or degree
tons · loads · heaps · masses · multitude · scores · numerous · countless · oodles · gobs
often
At frequent intervals
- frequentlyHappening many times
- regularlyAt fixed intervals
- commonlyWith frequent occurrence
repeatedly · habitually · consistently · routinely · constantly · persistently · recurrently · customarily · periodically · continually