"a lot" vs "a lot of"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Why there is no “of” in the following sentence:
“There is a lot happening in this town”.

2

In your sentence ‘happening’ is a verb form and not a noun. You would use ‘a lot of’ when using a noun as in: This has happened a lot of times.

3

Alan/Beeesneees,

  1. There is a lot happening(v) in this town.
  2. This has happened a lot of times(n).
  3. She is a lot happier(adj) now than she was.
  4. He looks a lot younger(adj) than me.
  5. I don’t go there a lot(adv) anymore(adv).
    I have given examples above showing adjectives and adverbs after ‘a lot’.
    In the 1st sentence is ‘happening’ a verb or adjective?
    Please explain the grammar points involved in this sentence.
4

Beeesneees,
Could you please help me?
Thanks.

5

Your question has been answered in message #2.

6

Beeesneees,
Many adjectives and adverbs are derived from verbs and also nouns.
So somebody says it is a verb form, I can’t understand what it is.
“There is a lot happening in this town.”
I want to know what is ‘happening’ in this sentence.
Usually ‘a lot’ is followed by either adjective or adverb.
Could you please explain to me so that I can understand correctly.
Thanks.

7

It is an active progressive participle.
“There is a lot happening in this town.” means “There is a lot (which is) happening in this town.”
Is this okay, Fathima?

8

Many thanks to Alan/Beeesneees and all, now I have the answer for the original question in all the details! :slight_smile:

9

Anglophile,
I could understand it now. Thanks.