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.
