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Such

Such as a determiner​

We can use such (as a determiner) before a noun phrase to add emphasis:

  • We visited such fascinating places on our trip through central Asia.
  • She has such lovely hair.
  • She lived in such loneliness. (formal)

We use such before the indefinite article, a/an:

  • We had such an awful meal at that restaurant!
  • Not: We had a such awful meal …

Such meaning ‘of this or that kind’​

In more formal situations, we can use such to mean ‘of this or that kind’. We can use it before a/an or after expressions like the only, the first, the second:

  • You must not destroy people’s houses. I could never agree to such a plan. (a plan of that kind)
  • A college is offering a degree in pop music composition. It is the only such course in the country. (the only course of that kind)

Such … that​

We can use a that-clause after a noun phrase with such:

  • He is such a bad-tempered person that no one can work with him for long.
  • It was such a long and difficult exam that I was completely exhausted at the end.
See also
  • So
  • Such or so?
  • Such as