So and Such

So + Adjective/Adverb vs. Such + Noun

Use so before an adjective or adverb on its own. Use such before a noun (with or without an adjective).

Notice the word order with such a:

• It was such a good time. (not a such good time)
• He is such a nice person. (not a so nice person)

Making the Meaning Stronger

So and such work like intensifiers, similar to “really” or “very.”

• I’ve had a busy day. I’m so tired. (= really tired)
• We had a great trip. We had such a good time. (= a really good time)
• It’s difficult to understand him. He talks so quietly.
• You always think good things are going to happen. You’re such an optimist.

So … that / Such … that

You can use so … that and such … that to show a result. The word that is often left out in everyday English.

• I was so tired (that) I fell asleep in the armchair.
• It was such nice weather (that) we spent the whole day on the beach.
• The bag was so heavy (that) she couldn’t lift it.
• It was such a beautiful day (that) we decided to go to the beach.

So and Such Meaning “Like This”

So and such can also mean “to this degree” or “of this kind.”

• Somebody told me the house was built 100 years ago. I didn’t realise it was so old. (= as old as it is)
• I didn’t realise it was such an old house.
• You know it’s not true. How can you say such a thing? (= a thing like this)

Note the expression no such:

• You won’t find the word “blid” in the dictionary. There’s no such word. (= this word does not exist)

Common Pairs: So vs. Such

Some expressions change form depending on whether you use so or such.

• I haven’t seen her for so long. / I haven’t seen her for such a long time. (not so long time)
• I didn’t know it was so far. / I didn’t know it was such a long way.
• There was so much traffic. / There was such a lot of traffic.

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