A lot of - much - many :

• A lot of :
• A lot of can be used in all sentences: affirmative, negative and interrogative.
• Much - many :
• Much and many are used in negative and interrogative sentences.
They are rarely used in affirmative sentences, except if they begin
the sentence . (see below)
• Much is used with uncountable nouns (for example: 'much English')
• Many is used with countable nouns (for example : 'many words').
Affirmative Negative Interrogative
We learn a lot of English. I don't know a lot of English. Do you learn a lot of English?
I make a lot of mistakes. I don't know much English. Do you know much English?
BUT :
Much of our food is exported. I don't know a lot of words. Do you make a lot of mistakes?
Many people drive too fast. I don't know many words. Do you make many mistakes?

Compare a lot of and a lot :

• Tom knows a lot of vocabulary.
• Charlie is talkative. He talks a lot.