Many people use the improper expression, "alot". There is no such word as "alot" in any dictionary I have consulted. The expression should be written "a lot." The expression is made up of two words, "a" indicating the singular, and "lot" meaning a portion.
The expression, "a lot" connotes many, much, a great amount, etc. Many of those who write to me about the studies posted at this site use the incorrect word, "alot". This incorrect usage of "alot" has become so prevalent that I felt I had to make this point.
The problem with using such an incorrect term is that it continues the stereotype that all Christians are "poor, uneducated and easy to command" [a quote of Michael Weisskopf and of Ted Turner]. We know this stereotype to be untrue, but when we Christians use a non-word like "alot", non-Christians tend to believe the stereotype. They then dismiss the one who has written "alot" as not credible. Our credibility as Christians must be maintained in order to lead the lost to Christ.
Now there is a word known as "allot". It means to apportion, that is, to distribute portions or shares. But the word "allot" has little to do with the expression "a lot".
So the next time you wish to say "a lot", do not use the incorrect term "alot".
Pastor Mark Oaks