When do we use “so” and “such”?

Both so and such are used in English to emphasize an adjective.

so is an adverb

such is a determiner.

We can translate so and such as “very,” “so,” “such,” or “really.”

Using these words makes our speech sound more natural.

Basic Rule:

so + adjective/adverb (without a noun)

such + noun (or noun with an adjective)

Using “so”

We use so before an adjective or adverb when there is no noun after it.

It’s so cold today!
(It is very cold.)

I’m so tired.
(I feel extremely tired.)

The view was so beautiful!
(The view was really amazing.)

“So” = “Very”

We can replace so with very in most cases.

It’s so warm. = It’s very warm.

She is so kind. = She is very kind.

The cake was so delicious. = The cake was very delicious.

so + adjective + that…

We use this structure to show a result or consequence.

The coffee was so hot that I couldn’t drink it.
(It was too hot to drink.)

He was so exhausted that he fell asleep immediately.
(He was extremely tired and slept right away.)

We can omit “that” and the sentence is still correct.

The coffee was so hot I couldn’t drink it.

He was so exhausted he fell asleep immediately.

So to express measurement (of adjectives or adverbs)

We can use so to indicate quantity, number, or intensity.

I wasn’t so sure about his idea.
(I was not completely sure.)

She didn’t expect so many people at the event.
(She thought fewer people would come.)

so + much, many, little, few

We can use so with much, many, little, and few to emphasize quantity.

I ate so much.
(I ate a lot.)

There are so many cars on the road.
(The number of cars is very high.)

She has so few friends.
(She does not have many friends.)

He made so little effort.
(He barely tried.)

We do NOT use “such” in this case!

I ate such much.

I ate such much food.

I ate so much.

Using “such”

We use such before a noun or a noun with an adjective.

such + a/an + adjective + singular noun

When we use a/an (indefinite article), it comes after “such.”

That was such an interesting book!
(The book was really interesting.)

We had such a great time at the party.
(The party was very fun.)

She is such a talented singer.
(She has amazing singing skills.)

such + adjective + plural noun

For plural nouns, we do not use a/an.

These are such wonderful flowers.
(The flowers are very beautiful.)

They are such nice neighbors.
(Our neighbors are really kind.)

such + a + noun

This construction expresses an opinion about a noun.

He’s such a troublemaker!
(He always causes problems!)

I’m such a perfectionist.
(I always want things to be perfect.)

such + a lot of

We can use such with a lot of to emphasize quantity.

They have such a lot of books at home!
(They own many books!)

We spent such a lot of money on this trip.
(We spent a huge amount.)

Expressions with “so” and “such”

such + noun = “this kind of”

When we use such with a noun, we mean that something belongs to a certain category.

I’ve never seen such weather before!
(Weather like this is new to me!)

I don’t understand why she chose such a car.
(Why did she choose that type of car?)

no such thing

This phrase means “that does not exist.”

There’s no such thing as ghosts.
(Ghosts are not real.)

Don’t believe him—there’s no such thing as easy money.
(Making money is always hard work.)

as such (formal)

“As such” means “as described” or “in this role.” It is often used in negative sentences.

These are not real diamonds, so they shouldn’t be treated as such.
(They should not be considered real diamonds.)

He is the project leader and, as such, he is responsible for final decisions.
(Because of his role, he makes the final calls.)

such as

This phrase means “for example.”

I love tropical fruits, such as mangoes and pineapples.
(These are examples of tropical fruits I like.)

Many famous entrepreneurs, such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, started their businesses young.
(These are examples of famous entrepreneurs.)

When do we use a comma before “such as”?

If the examples are not essential to the sentence → Use a comma.

If the examples are necessary for meaning → No comma.

Several countries, such as Canada and Australia, use English as an official language.
(Examples, but not necessary information.)

People from countries such as Canada and Australia speak English as their first language.
(The examples are essential for the meaning.)

and such

“And such” means “and similar things.”

She loves coffee, tea, and such.
(She likes other drinks like those too.)

I need to buy plates, cups, and such for the party.
(Other party supplies as well.)

I hope so.

“I hope so” means “I hope that is true.”

We use it when we already know the topic of conversation.

– Are we going to the beach?
– I hope so!
(I really want to go!)

– Is the exam canceled?
– I sure hope so!
(That would be great!)

Is that so?

“Is that so?” means “Really?” or “Oh, is that true?”

– This restaurant has the best pizza in town!
– Is that so? I need to try it!

– Apparently, the concert is canceled.
– Is that so? That’s disappointing.

or so

“Or so” means “approximately” or “about.”

The flight will take five hours or so.
(Around five hours.)

There were twenty or so guests at the party.
(About twenty guests.)

so long vs such a long time

so + adjective → No noun

such + noun → With a noun

It’s been so long since we last met.

It’s been such a long time since we last met.

So vs Such

When do we use “so” and “such”?