Is it 'a lot of people is' or 'a lot of people are'?

The correct form is 'a lot of people are.' The verb agrees with the noun after 'of' (people = plural), not with 'a lot.'

When do we use 'a lot of' with 'is'?

Use 'a lot of + is' with uncountable nouns: 'A lot of water is' or 'A lot of time is needed.' But with countable plurals, use 'are.'

The correct form is "a lot of people are."

The verb agrees with "people" (plural noun), not with "a lot."

With expressions like "a lot of," "lots of," "plenty of," and "some of," the verb agrees with the noun that follows "of":

Rule: A lot of + [noun] + verb that agrees with [noun]

Plural noun → Plural verb

Uncountable noun → Singular verb

Since "people" is a plural noun (the plural of "person"), it takes the plural verb "are."

✔A lot of people are waiting in line.

✔A lot of people have complained about the noise.

✔A lot of people were at the concert.

✘A lot of people is waiting in line.

When "a lot of" is followed by an uncountable noun, use a singular verb:

✔A lot of work is still needed.

✔A lot of information was provided.

✔A lot of traffic is expected today.

Incorrect: A lot of people is interested in this topic.

Correct: A lot of people are interested in this topic.

Choose the correct verb:

"A lot of people _____ (think/thinks) that exercise is important."