The difference between A lot and Mainly
When used as adverbs, a lot means very much, whereas mainly means forcefully, vigorously.
A lot is also noun with the meaning: a large amount.
check bellow for the other definitions of A lot and Mainly
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A lot as a noun:
A large amount.
Examples:
"I have a lot of things to say."
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A lot as a noun:
Many things, much.
Examples:
"'A lot depends on whether your parents agree."
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A lot as an adverb (informal):
very much; a great deal; to a large extent.
Examples:
"Thanks a lot for listening to me."
"It's a lot harder than it looks."
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A lot as an adverb (informal):
often; frequently
Examples:
"I go swimming a lot."
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Mainly as an adverb (obsolete):
Forcefully, vigorously.
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Mainly as an adverb (obsolete):
Of the production of a sound: loudly, powerfully.
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Mainly as an adverb (obsolete):
To a great degree; very much.
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Mainly as an adverb:
Chiefly; for the most part.