Such or so?
Such is a determiner; so is an adverb. They often have the same meaning of ‘very’ or ‘to this degree’: Those are such good chocolates.
Those chocolates are so good.
We use such + noun phrase and so + adjective or adverb phrase: She is such a great cook.
Not: She is so great cook.
That was so unpleasant. (so + adjective)
Not: That was such unpleasant.
Why do you drive so fast? (so + adverb)
Not: Why do you drive such fast?
Compare
so+ adjective | such+ noun phrase | You’resokind. | He’ssucha kind person | It wassohot we couldn’t work. | Novemberwassucha cold month. |
So but not such can also be used in front of much, many, little, few to add emphasis: Somuch food was wasted every day.
Not: Such much food was wasted …
In those days there were sofew doctors in our area.
Not: … there were such few doctors …
See also:
So
Such
Typical errors
We use such, not so, before a noun, even if there is an adjective before the noun:
They’re such snobs! They won’t speak to anyone else in the village.
Not: They’re so snobs …
Those are such cool shoes. Where did you get them?
Not: Those are so cool shoes.
We use such, not so, before a noun phrase with the indefinite article a/an:
This is sucha wonderful kitchen!
Not: This is a so wonderful kitchen!
We use so, not such, before adjectives:
Thank you. You’re so kind.
Not: You’re such kind.
We use so, not such, before adverbs:
She always dresses so elegantly.
Not: She always dresses such elegantly.
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