a lot

1) to a great or greater degree

I liked her a lot.

I can run a lot faster than you.

Men take a lot longer in the supermarket than women.

We're playing a lot better under the new manager.

See:

much

2) often, or for a long time

I talk a lot, I know.

We see her in the mornings a lot, taking the children off to school.

She gets sad when she thinks about him, which happens a lot.

3) a lot/lots a large number, amount, or quantity

We're paying her a lot for her services.

Have another piece of cake – there's lots more in the kitchen.

a lot of:

Bob used to have a lot of friends in New York.

I've got a lot of work to do.

There are a lot of questions that still remain unanswered.

The idea has attracted lots of publicity.

He's making lots of money.

a lot/lots to do/see/eat etc:

There's a lot to see in New York.

lots and lots:

There were lots and lots of posters to choose from.

See:

many