allot
C1formal/neutral
Definition
Meaning
To give or assign something (such as a share, portion, or amount) to someone as their official or designated part.
To distribute or allocate resources, time, or responsibilities according to a plan or system; to set aside for a particular purpose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an official or deliberate distribution, often by authority or according to a system. Focus is on the act of distribution, not just giving.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Slight preference for 'allocate' in more technical British contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more administrative/formal than 'give' or 'assign'.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both varieties, more common in written administrative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
allot something to somebody/somethingallot somebody somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “allot time/blame/credit”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board will allot shares to new investors.
Academic
The study allotted participants into control and experimental groups.
Everyday
We need to allot two hours for the meeting.
Technical
The system allots bandwidth dynamically based on demand.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will allot the community garden plots in March.
- Each team was allotted fifteen minutes for their presentation.
American English
- The committee allotted funds for the new park project.
- You should allot some time each day for exercise.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher allotted one sweet to each child.
- We allotted a room for our guests.
- The company allotted a budget for staff training.
- Please allot at least 30 minutes to complete the form.
- The government has allotted substantial resources to infrastructure development.
- Delegates were allotted specific seats in the conference hall.
- The judge allotted blame proportionately between the two negligent parties.
- Research grants are allotted based on a rigorous peer-review process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LOT of tickets being given out – you ALLOT them.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCES ARE PORTIONS OF A WHOLE (to be divided and distributed).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'allow' (разрешать). 'Allot' is распределять, выделять, отводить.
- Do not use for casual giving; implies systematic distribution.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'They allotted him to do the task.' Correct: 'They allotted the task to him.' or 'They allotted him the task.'
- Confusing spelling: 'alot' or 'allott' are incorrect.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'allot' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Allot' is a verb meaning to distribute. 'A lot' (two words) means a large amount. 'Alot' is a common misspelling.
They are very close synonyms. 'Allocate' is often preferred in technical, business, or computing contexts (e.g., allocate memory), while 'allot' can feel slightly less technical.
Yes. You can allot time, blame, credit, or responsibility, not just physical objects.
The noun is 'allotment', which can mean the action of allotting or a portion of something allotted (e.g., a garden plot).
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