"a lot of the time" vs "a lot of the times"

Question

"a lot of the time" vs "a lot of the times"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A lot of the time' is the more common and natural expression used to refer to a frequent occurrence or a general period of time. 'A lot of the times' is less common and is used when referring to specific instances or occasions.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that something happens often or during a significant portion of time.

Examples:

I go to the gym a lot of the time.
A lot of the time, she spends her weekends hiking in the mountains.
He is late a lot of the time.
A lot of the time, I prefer to stay home and relax.
A lot of the time, the weather in this city is unpredictable.

Alternatives:

often
frequently
most of the time
usually
commonly

This phrase is used to refer to specific occasions or instances when something happens frequently.

Examples:

A lot of the times I've asked for help, people have been kind.
He has been late a lot of the times we've met.
A lot of the times I've visited that restaurant, the service has been excellent.
She has won awards a lot of the times she has competed.
A lot of the times I've traveled to Europe, I've stayed in hostels.

Alternatives:

on many occasions
frequently
often
repeatedly
many times

Answer 1

a lot of the time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a frequent occurrence or a general period of time.

Answer 2

a lot of the times

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It is used when referring to specific instances or occasions.

"a lot of the time" vs "a lot of the times"

a lot of the time

a lot of the times

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