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're so kind.	He's such a kind person
It was so hot we couldn't work.	November was such a cold month.

So but not such can also be used in front of much, many, little, few to add emphasis:

• So much food was wasted every day.
• Not: Such much food was wasted ...
• In those days there were so few 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 such a 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.