a lot of, lots of
When do we use a lot of and when lots of?
These phrases are mainly used in informal English – lots of sounds slightly more informal than a lot of. There is not much difference between them both forms are used in singular uncountable and plural nouns.
It is the subject and not the phrase a lot of or lots of which determines whether the following verb is singular or plural. So, if a plural subject is used – books – the verbs is plural and if a singular subject is used – money – then the verb is singular.
1. Informal English
Singular
- A lot of money is needed to live in London.
- Lots of money is needed to live in London.
Plural
- A lot of books are needed in schools.
- Lots of books are needed in schools.
2. Formal English
In formal English we use plenty of or much and many instead of a lot of/lots of.
Singular
- Plenty of money is needed to live in London.
- Much money is needed to live in London.
Plural
- Plenty of books are needed in schools.
- Many books are needed in schools.
3. Other Possibilities
There are other quantifiers that can be used, but they are divided between plural and singular.
Singular and Plural:
- a large amount of money is needed to live in London.
- a great deal of money is needed to live in London.
- a large amount of books are needed in schools.
- a great deal of books are needed in schools.
Plural:
- a large number of books are needed in schools.
a large number of money are needed to live in London.