English idiom: ton of

[markku]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test "much/many/a lot/lots", question 5

I have ......... of homework to do before tomorrow.

(a) a ton
(b) a tan
(c) a million
(d) a much

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test "much/many/a lot/lots", answer 5

I have a ton of homework to do before tomorrow.

Correct answer: (a) a ton

Your answer was: correct
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Hi

Why a ton, it is weight?

markku

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes, it is a lot of weight. A ton of is idiomatic for a lot of.
.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Comenius]

I'm not sure about elsewhere in the world, but this is an incredibly common expression in the United States. I probably hear it several times a day.

Also, at least here, the meaning is even stronger than "a lot of." While technically that definition is 100% accurate, in use the phrase has the feeling of describing an incredibly large amount, often used to stress or emphasize how many people were at an event, how much homework you have, etc.

-David
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