lots, heaps

In the meaning of "a great many" or "a great deal," these words are informal: "lots of trouble," "a lot of money," "heaps of food," "heaps of good times." When used in this sense (an indefinitely large amount), both lot and lots are singular when appearing alone and plural when followed by of and a plural noun: "This is a lot." "Help yourself to the food; lots is here." "Lots of girls are at the party." Lot and lots require a singular verb when followed by of and a singular noun: "This is a lot of money." "There is lots of news on the radio tonight." Nearly always, many or much can be substituted for a lot, lot of, and lots of. Meaning "all," "the lot" is informal: "I'll disregard the lot." Heaps is at least as casual as lots when used to mean "a great deal." Avoid saying "heaps of people" and "a heap of misery" unless you are striving to create a homespun, folksy atmosphere. Heap is slang for an old run-down automobile, but rattletrap is a more colorful term.