'A lot people' or 'a lot of people'

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Which is correct ( or preferred )?

  1. A lot people have asked me how to learn new words or phrases as fast as possible.

  2. A lot of people have asked me how to learn new words or phrases as fast as possible.

2

2 is correct. A lot of people, or … lots of people.

3

2 aren’t correct here I think!
A lot people is wrong --> would rather say “lots of people”,
as Kitosdad told you.
Reminder:
You can say either “a lot of …”, “lots of …”, “plenty of …” or “loads of …”
That’s it =]