a lot

Question

Would you please take a look at my questions and explain them to me?

I am not familiar with usage of "a lot" like these :
"She puts up with a lot with her boyfriend."
"My mom had to put up with a lot when I was young because we were always moving around to new cities when my dad got transferred."

I mean without something after. It is not mentioned to what. Perhaps it means a lot of putting up!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Yes, a lot of putting up with what a reasonable reader would expect from a boyfriend and a travelling family, respectively.

USF · Answer

Could you please tell me if there is something like that (putting up) in English? I mean some examples that use a lot like that. Is it formal?

Mister Micawber · Answer

It is informal; phrasal verbs usually are. I don't understand what you are looking for—the whole phrase, 'a lot of putting up with'? Even though it is a long collocation, Google produces several: http://www.google.ca/search?as_q=&as_epq=a+lot+of+putting+up+with&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=any&safe=images&tbs=&as_filetype=&as_rights=

USF · Answer

First of all, thanks for you reply.

I meant verb or phrasal verbs like "putting up with" that can be used with "a lot" like that. I want to know that is there any verb that is similar to "putting up with".
... X a lot ("a lot" is not related anything in the sentence) ...

P.S. I appreciate your help already. I am just asking out of curiosity, and I just like learn it. If you haven't enough time. It is OK.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Sure—you can do many things a lot.

There was a lot of laughing/drinking/dancing last night.
We made out a lot. We have been kidding around a lot. He's showing off a lot.
Even a lot of putting my foot in my mouth.

USF · Answer

Thanks for your time and reply. But not exactly.

Mister MicawberThere was a lot of laughing/drinking/dancing last night.

a lot of Drinking and laughing and dancing

Mister MicawberWe made out a lot. We have been kidding around a lot. He's showing off a lot.

Yes sort of. But I think it is different from

"She puts up with a lot with her boyfriend."

I think something embedded in "put up with". I think it is perhaps slightly odd if I say : "They have a lot to carry". Instead, we usually choose to mention things that should be carried.

But it seems it is more usual to not to mention the object of putting up with. Somehow, it is clear for reader or who we are speaking to or embedded into the verb that doesn't need to mention. I hope I could tell you what is in my mind.
They have a lot to put up with (= They have a lot of difficulties) .

Mister MicawberEven a lot of putting my foot in my mouth.

?

I didn't understand.

a lot

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