“SO” VS “SUCH”
Differences Between “So” and “Such“
First of all, we can say about “So” and “Such” that
- Both of them usually have the same meaning “very”.
- Both of them show extremes.
- We can use both of them to add emphasis to the sentence.
- Although they have some similarities, there are some main differences in their use in the sentence.
Now we can see these differences;
1.
“So” + ADJECTIVE
We can use “so” with adjectives.
“So” gives meaning to the words which are expressed,“very” or “that much”.
Examples:
- Tom seems so happy now.
- She was so sad when my grandmother died.
- I am so full. I can’t eat that.
HOWEVER;
“Such” + ADJECTIVE + NOUN
We can use “such” with “adjective+noun” to show extremes. In this case,
“Such” gives the same meaning with “So”.
Examples:
- He is such an intelligent boy.
- The baby has such beautiful toys.
- These are such bad potatoes.
2.
“So” + ADVERB
We can use “so” with adverbs.
“So” is used to express “extreme actions” in the sentences.
Examples:
- The teacher was speaking so loudly.
- They should run so rapidly.
- I am waiting you so nervously.
HOWEVER;
We do not use “such” with “adverb”.
3.
“So” + JUDGEMENTAL ADJECTIVE in exclamations
We can use “so” with judgemental adjectives for emphasis, especially in exclamations.
Examples:
- You are so stupid!
- It is so rainy outside!
HOWEVER;
“Such” + JUDGEMENTAL NOUN in exclamations
We can use “such” with judgemental nouns for emphasis, especially in exclamations.
Examples:
- Don’t be such a fool!
- She is such a liar!
4.
“So” is not used with nouns.
But if we use quantifiers (much/many/few/little) with or before nouns, we can use “so” with these nouns.
In this case, we can use “so” with “plural countable or uncountable nouns”, not with singular countable nouns.
“So” + MUCH/MANY/FEW/LITTLE + NOUN
Examples:
- They have so many childrens.
- There are so few cars in the parking lot.
- I have read so much news about this issue.
- There is so little butter in the fridge.
HOWEVER;
“Such” + NOUN ( Such meaning is “This or That kind of …” )
In this case, “such” means “this kind/type of …”.
We can use “such” with “singular/plural countable or uncountable nouns”.
Examples:
- Why did you say such a thing?
- My mother is an expert at solving such problems.
- I can’t believe that you spent a lot of money for such furniture.
For Detailed Expression “Using SO in English” click here
For Detailed Expression “Using SUCH in English” click here
For Using “So…That” and “Such…That” click here
