a lot of or much

[hulkman1]

what is the diffirent between much and a lot of, I mean the gramatical use for both of them?

[Casiopea]

Try here first: http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/grammar/muchfew.html

If you have any questions, let us know. We'd be happy to guide you through it.

[hulkman1]

I am confused , I can't distinguish between (much and a lot of) in some situations such as :
1- Sue drinks much tea. (the use of much here is incorrect or unnatural) Why??
The right is : Sue drinks a lot of tea.

- Another example :
1-I use the phone much at work.( wrong ) Why??
The right is : I use the phone a lot at work

What is the diffirent between much and a lot in these examples??

note: This examples are taken from :(English grammar in use), Raymond Murphy,p172.

[Tdol]

We rarely use 'much' in positive sentences:
I use the telephone much at work- grammatically correct, but very unnatural.
I don't use the telephone much at work- fine
In both examples above, we could use 'a lot'.

[hulkman1]

Thank you

[Tdol]

You're welcome.