Here's why:
* Meaning: "A lot" means a large quantity or number of something.
* Usage: It's used as an informal phrase to express abundance or a significant amount.
* Origin: "A lot" originates from the combination of the article "a" and the noun "lot," which refers to a portion or a quantity.
While "alot" is a common misspelling, it's not a recognized word in the English language. So, always use "a lot" when referring to a large quantity!