Lesson

So and such

Intensifiers with adjectives

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

So and such

This lesson explains the difference between so and such, two common intensifiers in English used to emphasize degree or quality.

  • So is usually followed by an adjective or adverb (so + adjective/adverb) or by much/many/few/little to indicate degree or quantity.
  • Such is used before noun phrases (such + noun or such + a + adjective + noun) to emphasize the quality or type.
  • Both can be used with result clauses: so/such ... that ... to show consequence.

Table

So and Such — Reference Examples

Structure Meaning / Use Example
so + adjective Intensifier for adjectives The presentation was so long.
so + adverb Intensifier for adverbs She speaks so clearly.
so + much/many/few/little + noun Quantity with degree We received so many applications.
such + a + adjective + singular noun Emphasize a singular countable noun It was such a useful meeting.
such + adjective + uncountable/plural noun Emphasize uncountable or plural nouns They gave such useful feedback.
so/such ... that ... Cause and result He was so tired that he missed the call. / It was such a difficult task that we postponed it.

Tip

Key Rule: Where to use so vs such

Remember the basic placement:

  • Use so before adjectives and adverbs: so + adjective/adverb (so expensive, so carefully).
  • Use such before noun phrases: such + a/an + adjective + singular noun OR such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun (such a large order; such useful information).
  • Use so/such + that + result to show consequence (so tired that..., such a mess that...).

If a noun follows, choose 'such' (with 'a' if singular). Otherwise 'so' often fits.

Example

Examples in context

It was such a successful campaign that sales doubled.

The report was so detailed that the team had no questions.

We received such positive feedback from clients.

There were so many issues that we scheduled another meeting.

Tip

Common mistakes

Learners often mix up placement and articles with so and such.

  • Incorrect: "It was so a good idea." → Correct: "It was such a good idea."
  • Incorrect: "She gave such a advice." → Correct: "She gave such good advice." (advice is uncountable, no 'a')
  • Confusing quantity words: use 'so many' with countable plurals and 'so much' with uncountable nouns.

Check noun countability and whether an article ('a/an') is needed after 'such'.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about the structure 'such + a + singular noun'.

Quiz

Complete: We received _____ requests that we had to extend the deadline.

Hint: Think about a quantifier for plural countable nouns.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence using 'such':

Hint: Check if the noun is countable or uncountable before adding 'a'.

Key Points

Vocabulary

so

adverb CEFR B1 //soʊ//

used to emphasize adjectives or adverbs; also used with much/many/few/little

The deadline is so tight we need to prioritize tasks.

Vocabulary

such

determiner / pronoun CEFR B1 //sʌtʃ//

used to emphasize a noun or noun phrase (often with 'a' for singular countable nouns)

It was such a productive workshop that we implemented new ideas immediately.

Expression

such a

expression CEFR B1 //sʌtʃ ə//

structure used before an adjective and singular countable noun to express emphasis

They made such a thorough analysis that management approved the proposal.

GrammarPoint

so many

determiner phrase CEFR B1 //soʊ ˈmɛni//

used with countable plural nouns to indicate a large number

We had so many applicants for the internship.

GrammarPoint

so much

determiner phrase CEFR B1 //soʊ mʌtʃ//

used with uncountable nouns to indicate a large amount

There is so much interest in the new product.

GrammarPoint

such ... that / so ... that

grammar_point CEFR B2 //sʌtʃ ... ðæt/; /soʊ ... ðæt//

structures used to show cause and result: 'such ... that' (with noun) and 'so ... that' (with adjective/adverb)

The issue was so complex that we consulted an expert. / It was such a complex issue that we consulted an expert.