B1 Intermediate too/enough, so/such, contrast
so, such, so that
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use so, such and so that correctly — three similar words with three different jobs.
When to use it
- Emphasising and giving a result: It was so hot that we stayed inside.
- Emphasising a whole noun phrase: It was such a hot day.
- Giving a purpose: I left early so that I wouldn't be late.
Form
| Structure | Used with | Example |
|---|---|---|
| so + adjective / adverb | no noun | It was so cold that… |
| such a/an + adjective + singular noun | with a countable noun | It was such a cold day. |
| such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun | no a/an | They are such nice people. |
| so that + clause | shows purpose | I study hard so that I can pass. |
Step by step
- Look at what comes right after the gap.
- A bare adjective → so.
- A phrase containing a noun (a nice day, nice people) → such.
- If you mean in order to → so that + clause.
With or without a/an
| Noun | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| countable, singular | such a/an + adjective + noun | such an interesting book |
| plural | such + adjective + noun | such nice people |
| uncountable | such + adjective + noun | such good news |
Examples
It was so hot that we stayed inside.
It was such a hot day that we stayed inside.
She is so kind that everybody likes her.
They are such friendly people.
He speaks so quickly that I can't understand him.
I set two alarms so that I wouldn't oversleep.
Common mistakes
It was so a nice day. → It was such a nice day.
With the noun phrase a nice day you need such. so never goes directly with a/an.
She is such tall that she plays basketball. → She is so tall that she plays basketball.
There is only the adjective tall and no noun → use so.
She has such a long hair. → She has such long hair.
hair is uncountable, so drop the a.
Memory tip
Just check whether there is a noun. Noun → such. No noun → so. One question settles nearly every case.
Summary
- so + adjective · such + (a/an) + adjective + noun.
- Results follow that; purpose uses so that + clause.
- Drop a/an after such with plural and uncountable nouns.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.