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 a bit more informal than a lot of. Both forms are used in singular and in plural sentences.

It is not the phrase a lot of or lots of which determines singular or plural, but the noun of the sentence (here: water and computers).

1. Informal English

Singular

• A lot of water is wasted.
• Lots of water is wasted.

Plural

• A lot of computers are needed at schools.
• Lots of computers are needed at 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 water is wasted.
• Much water is wasted.

Plural

• Plenty of computers are needed at schools.
• Many computers are needed at schools.

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