A lot of and lots of mean the same thing, a large number or amount, and go with any noun: a lot of friends, lots of time. Lots of sounds a little more casual. The verb depends not on lot or lots but on the word after of: Lots of people are waiting, but Lots of money is spent on ads.
a lot of or lots of — can you pick the right one?
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a lot of/lots of + plural noun + plural verb; a lot of/lots of + uncountable noun + singular verb; verb + a lot
- We had a lot of rain this summer, so the garden looks amazing.
- There were lots of students in the library before the exams.
- Lots of advice online is useless, so I ask my teacher instead.
What changed
First versionLots of information are available on the university website.
RevisionLots of information is available on the university website.
Lots looks plural and pulls in are. But the verb looks at the word after of, and information is uncountable in English, like money or water. So is.
Without a noun, you don't need of: I read a lot. In an IELTS essay both forms sound conversational; many, much or a large number of work better: A large number of students work part-time.
Your turn
Don't worry about the snacks, there ___ lots of food left from the party.
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is — Food is uncountable, so the verb is singular: there is lots of food. Are would be needed if a plural word came after of: there are lots of sandwiches.
Describe your town: name one thing it has a lot of and one thing it doesn't have enough of. Use a lot of or lots of.
My town has lots of parks, but there isn't enough parking near the centre.
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