1. a lot
A lot of is used to express that there is a large quantity of something.
We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions. This expression can be used with countable or uncountable nouns.
2. much
Much is used with uncountable nouns.
Note: we almost never use Much and Many in positive sentences, we almost always use a lot of or lots of.
I have much money. (Incorrect because the sentence is positive / affirmative)
I have a lot of money. (Correct)
3. far
very much; to a great degree
That's a far better idea.
There are far more opportunities for young people than there used to be.
It had been a success far beyond their expectations.
He's fallen far behind in his work.
She always gives us far too much homework.
4. any
Any and some are both determiners. They are used to talk about indefinite quantities or numbers, when the exact quantity or number is not important. As a general rule we use some for positive statements, and any for questions and negative statements,
For example:-
I asked the barman if he could get me some sparkling water. I said, "Excuse me, have you got any sparkling water?" Unfortunately they didn't have any.
Note - You will sometimes see some in questions and any in positive statements. When making an offer, or a request, in order to encourage the person we are speaking to to say "Yes", you can use some in a question:
For example: Would you mind fetching some gummy bears while you're at the shops?
You can also use any in a positive statement if it comes after a word whose meaning is negative or limiting:
For example:-
A. She gave me some bad advice.
B. Really? She rarely gives any bad advice.
See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/mistakes/anyvssome.html#sthash.fSZV66Km.dpuf
A lot of is used to express that there is a large quantity of something.
We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions. This expression can be used with countable or uncountable nouns.
- There are a lot of dogs in the street. (Countable noun)
- I have a lot of time to answer your questions. (Uncountable noun)
- I saw a lot of people waiting in the queue. (Countable)
- We did have a lot of fun, didn't we? (Uncountable)
2. much
Much is used with uncountable nouns.
- I don't have many CD's in my collection. (Countable noun)
- They don't have much money to buy a present. (Uncountable noun)
- How many brothers do you have? (Countable noun)
- Is there much milk in the fridge? (Uncountable noun)
Note: we almost never use Much and Many in positive sentences, we almost always use a lot of or lots of.
I have much money. (Incorrect because the sentence is positive / affirmative)
I have a lot of money. (Correct)
3. far
very much; to a great degree
That's a far better idea.
There are far more opportunities for young people than there used to be.
It had been a success far beyond their expectations.
He's fallen far behind in his work.
She always gives us far too much homework.
4. any
Any and some are both determiners. They are used to talk about indefinite quantities or numbers, when the exact quantity or number is not important. As a general rule we use some for positive statements, and any for questions and negative statements,
For example:-
I asked the barman if he could get me some sparkling water. I said, "Excuse me, have you got any sparkling water?" Unfortunately they didn't have any.
Note - You will sometimes see some in questions and any in positive statements. When making an offer, or a request, in order to encourage the person we are speaking to to say "Yes", you can use some in a question:
For example: Would you mind fetching some gummy bears while you're at the shops?
You can also use any in a positive statement if it comes after a word whose meaning is negative or limiting:
For example:-
A. She gave me some bad advice.
B. Really? She rarely gives any bad advice.
See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/mistakes/anyvssome.html#sthash.fSZV66Km.dpuf