So vs. Such
B1 · IntermediateAdverbsSo and such both mean 'to a high degree', but the choice depends on whether a noun follows.
What you'll learn
- So + adjective/adverb (no noun): so tall, so quickly, so happy
- Such + (a/an) + (adjective) + noun: such a nice day, such kind people
- So + adjective + that...: She was so tired that she fell asleep.
- Such + noun + that...: It was such a boring movie that we left.
The key test: is there a noun?
So and such both add emphasis, meaning 'to such a high degree'. The choice between them depends on one thing: is a noun coming right after? If there's no noun, use so. If a noun follows (with or without an adjective before it), use such.
so + adjective/adverb
Use so directly before an adjective or adverb when there's no noun in the phrase: so tall, so quickly, so interesting. So also combines with much/many/little/few before nouns: so much work, so many people.
such + (a/an) + (adjective) + noun
Use such before a noun phrase — with a singular countable noun, include a/an: such a nice day. With a plural or uncountable noun, no article is needed: such kind people, such good news.
so...that / such...that — result clauses
Both so and such can introduce a result with that: so + adjective + that (no noun), or such + noun (+ adjective) + that (with a noun).
Real English
Watch out
With no noun after the adjective, use so, not such.
When a noun follows, use such, not so.
With a singular countable noun, such needs the article a/an: such a nice day.
Real life — Talking about a trip
"How was the trip?"
"Amazing! The scenery was so beautiful, and the people were such lovely hosts."
"That sounds incredible."
"It really was — it was such a memorable week that I never wanted to leave."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correct word
It's ___ hot today!
Exercise 2 · Choose the correct word
It's ___ a hot day!
Exercise 3 · Choose the correct word
They are ___ kind people.
Exercise 4 · Choose the correct word
She was ___ tired that she fell asleep on the sofa.
Exercise 5 · Choose the correct word
It was ___ a boring movie that we left early.
Exercise 6 · Fix the mistake
Fix the mistake:
Exercise 7 · Fix the mistake
Fix the mistake:
Exercise 8 · Complete the sentence
Complete: I have ___ much work to do this week. (before an uncountable noun, one word)
Exercise 9 · Complete the sentence
Complete: This is ___ a difficult exercise. (before article + adjective + noun, one word)
Exercise 10 · Build the sentence
Exercise 11 · Choose the correct sentence
Which is correct?
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
The concert was ___ loud that my ears hurt.
You learned
- No noun after? Use so: so tall, so quickly.
- Noun follows? Use such: such a nice day, such kind people.
- Singular countable noun with such needs a/an: such a great idea.
- Both combine with that for result clauses: so tired that..., such a mess that...
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