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

  1. A lot as a noun:

    A large amount.

    Examples:

    "I have a lot of things to say."

  2. A lot as a noun:

    Many things, much.

    Examples:

    "'A lot depends on whether your parents agree."

  1. 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."

  2. A lot as an adverb (informal):

    often; frequently

    Examples:

    "I go swimming a lot."

  1. Mainly as an adverb (obsolete):

    Forcefully, vigorously.

  2. Mainly as an adverb (obsolete):

    Of the production of a sound: loudly, powerfully.

  3. Mainly as an adverb (obsolete):

    To a great degree; very much.

  4. Mainly as an adverb:

    Chiefly; for the most part.