such
such — noun
1. used after 'as' to show that you mean something strictly according to the defini
used after 'as' to show that you mean something strictly according to the definition of the word just mentioned, and not in a wider or looser sense
There is no library as such in the town, but the community centre has books.
as such after 'no + noun'
Adisa is not a designer as such, but she creates illustrations for local brands.
The programme does not offer a degree as such, just a certificate of completion.
as such after 'does not + verb + noun'
The letter was not a complaint as such, though it did list several problems.
Nikos never held an official title as such — the office had no formal roles.
as such after 'never + verb + noun'
- as such
- strictly speaking
adverbial phrase that can often replace 'as such' without changing the meaning; more explicit about the strictness
- in the strict sense
more formal than 'as such'; often used in academic or legal writing
- properly speaking
similar meaning but slightly old-fashioned; less common in everyday speech
- loosely speaking
indicates the opposite — that you are using a word in a broad or approximate way
- in a broad sense
opposite register — signals a wide, non-restrictive interpretation of a term
Grammar Patterns
no + noun + as such
not + [noun/role] + as such
never + [verb] + [noun] + as such
Usage Note
Typically follows a negative or limiting statement ('no', 'not', 'never') and is often followed by a clause beginning with 'but' or 'though' that provides a partial exception or qualification.
Common Mistakes
such — adjective
1. used to identify the exact kind of person or thing that was just described or is
used to identify the exact kind of person or thing that was just described or is clearly understood from the context — for instance, saying you could never afford such a car right after someone describes a luxury sports car.
Mira had never tasted such delicious food at a school cafeteria before.
such + adjective + noun for specific type
The librarian said there is no such book in the school collection.
there is no such + noun (denying existence)
Luca wondered why anyone would say such a thing to a friend.
A reward system such as the one Bilal designed can motivate students.
such as + noun phrase for example
- no such + noun
- such a + noun
- such + noun + as
- such + plural noun
- that kind of
more conversational, less formal
- of that sort
similar meaning, slightly more formal
Grammar Patterns
such + noun phrase + as + clause
such + noun phrase + that + clause
there is no such + noun
Usage Note
Commonly appears in the negative pattern 'no such + noun' to deny that a particular type of thing exists. Also used with 'as' to give an example of the type being discussed.
Common Mistakes
2. to a degree or extent that is specified by a following clause — used to link a s
to a degree or extent that is specified by a following clause — used to link a situation and its result, as in 'the traffic was such that we missed the flight' or 'such was her fear that she could not speak'.
The noise from the construction was such that Sade could not concentrate on her homework.
such + that + clause (result pattern)
Such was the demand for tickets that the show sold out in one hour.
Such + be + noun + that (inverted fronting)
Gabriel's confidence was such that he volunteered to speak first at the conference.
The wind was such that small boats could not leave the harbour safely.
- such that
- such was
- such were
- be such that
- so much
used with uncountable nouns; less common in this pattern
- to the point that
more informal, more conversational
Grammar Patterns
such + that + clause
Such + be + noun + that + clause
Usage Note
In formal English, 'such' can be fronted with inverted word order: 'Such was her anger that...' instead of 'Her anger was such that...'. The 'that' is occasionally omitted in informal speech, but is standard in written English.
Common Mistakes
3. used to make a general statement about people or things that belong to the categ
used to make a general statement about people or things that belong to the category already described — for example, calling repeated lateness 'such behaviour' when commenting on the type of conduct just mentioned, typically in formal or official language.
Renata arrived late three times, and such behaviour cannot be ignored by the manager.
such + noun referring back to previously described behaviour
The bridge was damaged in a storm, and such conditions made it unsafe to cross.
The hotel was noisy and dirty, and such complaints are common among travellers.
The church collected a small donation, and such acts of kindness happen every week.
- such + uncountable noun
- such + plural noun
- such behaviour
- such conditions
- such actions
- that kind of
less formal, more common in speech
- of that nature
formal, used in legal or official contexts
Grammar Patterns
such + noun
such + be + noun / noun phrase
Usage Note
This sense is more common in formal writing (reports, official notices, academic texts) than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, speakers typically say 'that kind of' or 'that sort of' instead.
Common Mistakes
4. used before a noun to emphasize that someone or something has an extreme quality
used before a noun to emphasize that someone or something has an extreme quality, often linking to a result — like saying 'it was such a hot day that the ice cream melted' or 'she has such lovely eyes'.
It was such a windy afternoon that Joon's umbrella broke in two.
such + a + adjective + noun + that (extreme + result)
Nila received such wonderful news that she called her mother immediately.
Piotr made such a loud noise in the kitchen that the dog started barking.
The garden had such beautiful flowers that visitors stopped to take photos.
such + adjective + plural noun + that
- such a + noun
- such an + noun
- such + plural noun
- such + adjective + noun
Grammar Patterns
such + (adjective) + noun + that + clause
such + a/an + (adjective) + noun
Usage Note
This is the most common and earliest-learned sense of adjectival 'such'. A 'that'-clause is optional when the result is obvious from context: 'It was such a lovely day!' (the result is implied, not stated). Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 uses 'such + that-clause' without a noun ('His anger was such that...'), while sense 4 uses 'such + noun phrase' with an optional result.
Common Mistakes
5. used to introduce examples that belong to the same group or category as the thin
used to introduce examples that belong to the same group or category as the thing just mentioned — for instance, 'large birds such as eagles and hawks' means eagles and hawks are examples of large birds.
Fruit trees such as apple and pear grow well in this region.
such as + example (category member)
Jin enjoys team sports such as basketball and football.
Certain medical conditions such as asthma require regular check-ups.
Ancient civilisations such as Rome and Egypt have influenced modern culture greatly.
- noun + such as
- such as + noun
- such as + gerund
- like
less formal, far more common in everyday speech
- for example
functions as a sentence adverbial, not directly attached to nouns
- including
suggests a partial list, similar but not identical
Grammar Patterns
such as + noun / noun phrase
plural noun + such as + example
Usage Note
'Such as' is more formal than 'like' for introducing examples. In casual speech, 'like' is far more common ('fruits like apples'). In academic and formal writing, prefer 'such as'.
Common Mistakes
6. used as a placeholder for a specific but unnamed person, thing, time, or amount
used as a placeholder for a specific but unnamed person, thing, time, or amount — for example, 'at such and such a time' means at a particular time that the speaker does not want or need to name exactly.
The form asks you to confirm that you arrived at such and such a date.
such and such + noun (unnamed placeholder)
The teacher told the class to read chapter such-and-such for homework.
If someone says they saw it at such a place, you can check the records.
at such a + noun (vague reference)
The contract says the payment is due on such and such a day each month.
- such-and-such
- such and such
- such a + noun (vague)
- such a time
- such a place
Grammar Patterns
such-and-such + noun
such and such + noun
at such a time
such a one
Usage Note
This sense is mostly used in formal or bureaucratic contexts (contracts, forms, legal documents) or when a speaker deliberately avoids giving a specific name or number. Less common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
as such
idiomused to refer to something in itself, considering its own nature or true meaning, rather than in a broader sense.
I don't read poetry as such, but I enjoy song lyrics very much.
Paloma is not a trained chef as such, but her cooking is excellent.
no such thing
idiomused to say that something does not exist or is impossible.
Eve believes there is no such thing as a perfect friendship.
Layla told her son that there is no such thing as a flying elephant.
such is life
idiomused to express acceptance when something disappointing or unpleasant happens, meaning that these things happen to everyone.
Hao missed the bus by one minute, but he just smiled and said such is life.
The picnic was cancelled because of rain, but such is life in the rainy season.
such — adverb
1. placed before an adjective that comes before a noun to indicate that the quality
placed before an adjective that comes before a noun to indicate that the quality described exists to a very high degree — for instance, saying 'such a hot day' means the day is extremely hot, or 'such beautiful flowers' means the flowers are remarkably beautiful.
Layla had never seen such a large crowd at the local market before.
such a + adjective + singular noun (extreme degree)
The children made such a terrible mess that their mother asked them to clean it up.
Imran could not believe such expensive shoes were now on sale for half price.
such + adjective + plural noun (extreme degree)
Wei received such wonderful news that she called her best friend right away.
Élise said she had never tasted such delicious chocolate in her entire life.
- such a/an + adjective + noun
- such + adjective + plural noun
- such + adjective + uncountable noun
Grammar Patterns
such a/an + adjective + singular noun
such + adjective + plural noun
such + adjective + uncountable noun
Usage Note
Always requires a following adjective that modifies the noun in the same phrase. For singular countable nouns, the pattern 'such a/an + adjective + noun' is mandatory — the article cannot be dropped or moved before 'such'. For plural and uncountable nouns, no article is used.
Common Mistakes
2. used before a noun to say that something is particularly true or strongly applie
used before a noun to say that something is particularly true or strongly applies, in a way similar to 'especially' or 'very' — for instance, saying 'it was such a shame' means it was a great shame, and 'he is such a gentleman' means he is a perfect gentleman.
It was such a shame that Caio could not join the team for the final match.
such a + abstract noun (emphatic statement)
Adisa said it was such a pleasure to work with friendly colleagues every day.
Romi thinks hiking in the mountains is such fun during the cool autumn months.
Lara told her mother that the award ceremony was such an honour for everyone.
- such a/an + abstract noun
- such fun
- such a pleasure
- such a shame
- such an honour
- especially
adverb; 'especially fun' is more direct but less emphatic
- really
informal; 'really a shame' vs 'such a shame' — similar emphasis
Grammar Patterns
such a/an + abstract noun
such + uncountable noun (e.g. such fun)
Usage Note
Commonly appears with abstract nouns that express emotions or evaluations — 'such a pleasure', 'such a shame', 'such a pity', 'such fun', 'such an honour'. When the noun is uncountable (like 'fun'), no article is used. This sense emphasises the noun itself rather than a specific quality measured on a scale.
Common Mistakes
3. used to describe the way something is done, arranged, or happens, linking an act
used to describe the way something is done, arranged, or happens, linking an action or situation to its intended or actual result — for instance, 'the room was arranged such that everyone could see the screen' means the arrangement created that effect, and 'rules such as to ensure fairness' means the rules are designed to produce fairness.
The chairs were arranged such that every guest could see the stage.
such that + clause (manner with result)
Caio designed the shelf such as to hold all of his heavy textbooks.
such as to + infinitive (purpose)
The sound system was positioned such that music reached every corner of the room.
Wei wrote the instructions such that even a beginner could follow them easily.
- such that
- such as to
- arranged such that
- designed such that
- positioned such that
- so that
more common in everyday English; 'so that everyone could see'
- in such a way that
fuller form; slightly more explicit but less common
Grammar Patterns
such that + clause
such as to + infinitive
such...as to + infinitive
Usage Note
Typically followed by 'that' plus a clause describing a resulting situation, or by 'as to' plus an infinitive describing a purpose. This construction is more common in formal and written English than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, speakers often use 'so that' or 'in a way that' instead.
Common Mistakes
such — determiner / pronoun
1. placed before a noun to say that something has an extreme level of a quality — f
placed before a noun to say that something has an extreme level of a quality — for example, such a tall building, such strong coffee, or such awful news that nobody could believe it.
The children made such a mess in the kitchen that their mother asked them to clean it up.
such a + noun + that-clause for showing result
I have never tasted such delicious soup — could you share the recipe with me?
It was such a long film that João fell asleep before the ending.
The garden had such beautiful flowers that visitors stopped to take pictures.
We had such good weather during our trip to the mountains near the city.
- such a/an
- such + noun + that
- such + adjective + noun
Grammar Patterns
such a/an + adjective + noun
such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun
such a/an + noun + that-clause
Usage Note
Frequently followed by a that-clause that describes the result of the extreme degree. With singular countable nouns, 'a' or 'an' must come after 'such' (not before it).
Common Mistakes
2. pointing back to a type of person or thing that was mentioned in an earlier sent
pointing back to a type of person or thing that was mentioned in an earlier sentence — for instance, saying you have never witnessed such dishonesty after hearing about a colleague who lied to customers.
The manager told us to report any such problems to her immediately.
any such + noun for referring back to a category
Evelyn has never said such things about anyone in her class before.
Rules such as these are in place to keep everyone safe at school.
I cannot believe that a respected doctor would give such advice.
We do not usually accept such behaviour from students in our school.
- any such
- such as these/those
- such things
- such behaviour
- that kind of
more conversational and explicit; 'that kind of behaviour' instead of 'such behaviour'
- of that sort
slightly more formal; 'issues of that sort'
Grammar Patterns
such + noun
such as + noun phrase
any such + noun
such + noun + as/that
Usage Note
Often refers back to something mentioned in an earlier sentence or clause. When the noun is singular countable, 'such a/an' is used the same way as in sense 1, but the emphasis is on type rather than degree.
Common Mistakes
3. used when the speaker is about to state or explain what kind of person or thing
used when the speaker is about to state or explain what kind of person or thing is meant — for example, telling a friend that such a scheme requires careful planning, and then going on to describe the scheme in detail.
There are no such things as ghosts, my grandfather told me firmly.
no such + noun + as for denying existence of a category
The law punishes such acts as stealing money from old people.
A prize such as a free trip would encourage more students to try harder.
In such cases as this one, the school calls the parents immediately.
- such + noun + as
- such as
- no such thing as
- such cases
- like
more conversational; 'fruits like apples' instead of 'such fruits as apples'
- of the type
more formal and explicit; 'of the type that grows in cold climates'
Grammar Patterns
such + noun + as
such + noun + that-clause
such as + noun phrase
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 2: sense 3 introduces the category for the first time, while sense 2 refers back to a category already mentioned. The 'such…as' structure is common here.
4. placed after a short list of things to show that other things of the same genera
placed after a short list of things to show that other things of the same general kind are included too — for example, 'cards, gifts, and such' means cards, gifts, and similar items.
The shop sells cards, gifts, and such — all at very low prices.
noun + and such for listing similar items
We need to buy food, drinks, plates, and such for the party.
Anong enjoys reading novels, poetry, and such in her free time.
The job requires basic computer skills, filing, and such.
- and such
- or such
- and the like
more formal; 'novels, poetry, and the like'
- and so forth
neutral register; 'food, drinks, and so forth'
- etc.
common in writing; 'pens, paper, etc.'
Grammar Patterns
noun + and such
noun, noun, and such
Usage Note
This sense is informal and usually appears at the end of a list. In formal writing, 'and the like' or 'and so forth' is preferred.
Common Mistakes
5. placed after a noun to show that you are using a word or phrase in its full, exa
placed after a noun to show that you are using a word or phrase in its full, exact meaning without any softening or exception — for example, calling someone a 'leader in the true sense of the word' means they fully deserve that title.
A teacher in the true sense of the word cares about more than just grades.
in the true sense of the word for precise meaning
This is not a holiday in the usual sense — we will be working every day.
Christopher is a gentleman in every sense of the term.
There was no real conversation between them, not in any meaningful sense.
Brandon is not an artist in the formal sense but his drawings are lovely.
- in the true sense
- in every sense
- in the usual sense
- in any meaningful sense
- literally
adverb form; 'literally a genius' but less formal
- strictly speaking
adverbial phrase; 'strictly speaking, he is not an employee'
Grammar Patterns
in the + adjective + sense of the word
in every sense of the term
in the true sense
Usage Note
Typically appears in the fixed phrase patterns 'in the X sense of the word' or 'in every sense.' The noun before 'sense' is often an adjective of precision: true, literal, strict, formal, usual, meaningful.
Common Mistakes
6. used to introduce one or more specific examples of the general kind of person or
used to introduce one or more specific examples of the general kind of person or thing you are talking about — for example, 'fruits such as apples and oranges' gives apples and oranges as examples of fruit.
Large animals, such as elephants and whales, need a lot of space to live.
such as + noun phrase for giving examples
Some fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain a lot of vitamin C.
Many countries, such as Japan and Canada, have very cold winters.
The museum displays ancient tools, such as stone knives and wooden bowls.
Sports such as basketball and football are popular among young people.
- such as
- such as + noun
- like
more conversational; 'fruits like apples' but can also mean 'similar to'
- for example
used at the start of a sentence or clause; 'for example, apples are a good source of fibre'
- including
implies a partial list; 'fruits including apples and oranges'
Grammar Patterns
such as + noun phrase
noun phrase + such as + noun phrase
Usage Note
Do not use a comma after 'such as' — it introduces the examples directly. 'Such as' differs from 'like' in that 'such as' is preferred for giving actual examples, while 'like' can also be used for comparisons.
Common Mistakes
7. used to connect a noun or situation to a following clause (with 'that' or 'as')
used to connect a noun or situation to a following clause (with 'that' or 'as') that explains what particular kind of person, thing, or situation is meant — for example, saying the problem was such that nobody could solve it identifies the type of problem by linking it to the result.
Ayesha received such glowing praise from her boss that she asked for a promotion.
such + noun + that-clause for linking to a describing result
The traffic was such that Dario reached the airport only two minutes before take-off.
The instructor gave us such instructions as none of the group had ever seen before.
such + noun + as + clause for defining the kind
Tendai planted such vegetables in her garden as would grow well in the local climate.
The restaurant faced a crisis such as the owners had never dealt with before.
- such + noun + that
- such + noun + as
- noun + such as + clause
- such as to
- like
more conversational; 'a sound like I had never heard' instead of 'a sound such as I had never heard'
- of the sort
more formal; 'an event of the sort that happens only once'
- unlike
direct opposite; 'a feeling unlike any I had known'
Grammar Patterns
such + noun + that-clause
such + noun + as + clause
noun + such as + clause
such as to + infinitive
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 (SO GREAT): sense 1 emphasizes extreme degree with a that-clause of result ('such a hot day that...'), while this sense identifies the kind or type and connects it to a defining or descriptive clause. More common in formal and literary writing than in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
8. placed after a noun in the fixed phrase 'such as it is' (or 'such as they are')
placed after a noun in the fixed phrase 'such as it is' (or 'such as they are') to show that what you are talking about is not very good, not enough, or not impressive — for example, calling the free breakfast 'such as it was' means it was very simple or small.
The free breakfast at the hostel, such as it was, could not fill a hungry teenager.
noun + such as it was for conceding limited quality
Eli knew some French, such as it was, from a phone app he used on the bus.
Their camping gear, such as they had, was just one tent and two thin sleeping bags.
The city's help, such as it was, arrived three weeks after the storm.
- such as it is
- such as they are
- such as it was
- such as they were
- such as there is
- whatever there is of it
fuller, more explicit phrase; 'whatever help there was, it arrived too late'
- meagre
adjective to describe the noun instead; 'the meagre breakfast did not fill anyone'
Grammar Patterns
noun + such as it is
noun + such as they are
noun + such as there is/are
Usage Note
Always appears in the fixed formula 'noun + such as it is / such as they are.' The verb form agrees with the noun: 'such as it is' for singular and 'such as they are' for plural. The tone is often dismissive, apologetic, or modest. This structure is more common in British English than American English.
Common Mistakes
… and such
idiomUsed to refer to other similar things or people without naming them.
We bought apples, oranges, and such at the market.
She enjoys painting, drawing, and such creative activities.
as such
idiomUsed to indicate that you are considering the exact meaning of a word or phrase.
He isn't a manager as such, but he leads the team.
The offer wasn't a job as such, just a temporary position.
such as
idiomUsed to introduce one or more examples of something.
Many fruits, such as apples and bananas, are healthy.
She enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.
Used to emphasize that something is not very good or not much.
The dinner, such as it was, satisfied our hunger.
His suggestions, such as they are, might help a little.
such — predeterminer
1. placed with 'a' or 'an' before an adjective and noun to make a statement about s
placed with 'a' or 'an' before an adjective and noun to make a statement about something feel more emotional or forceful.
Naoko had such a busy week that she barely slept.
such + a/an + adj + noun + that + clause for result
It was such a cold morning that Sofia wore three layers.
Christopher made such a big meal that there were leftovers for three days.
I have never met such a kind neighbour as Mrs. Yamada.
such + a/an + noun with 'as' for comparison
The garden was in such a lovely spot next to the old river.
- such a/an
- such a/an + adj + noun + that
Grammar Patterns
such + a/an + (adj) + noun
such + a/an + (adj) + noun + that + clause
Usage Note
Frequently used in the pattern 'such a/an + adjective + noun + that + clause' to express a result.
Common Mistakes
2. used before a plural or uncountable noun to refer to a category of people or thi
used before a plural or uncountable noun to refer to a category of people or things that both speaker and listener already have in mind from what was just said — like saying 'such antiques are valuable' after mentioning an old grandfather clock, without pointing to a specific item or introducing a new type.
Gabriel loves spicy Thai food, and such dishes remind him of his travels.
such + noun referring back to mentioned category
The old library had thousands of rare books, and such places need care and funding.
Élise enjoys sewing her own clothes because such work lets her be creative.
Very few schools teach glassblowing these days, so such skills are hard to find.
such + noun for rare or specific skills
The family heirloom was made of silver, and such material lasts for generations.
- such + noun
- like that
more conversational: 'I like music like that.'
- of that sort
slightly more formal
Grammar Patterns
such + (adj) + noun
Usage Note
Usually refers back to a category of people or things already mentioned in the same or an earlier sentence.
Common Mistakes
3. used with 'as' to introduce one or more examples of the type of person or thing
used with 'as' to introduce one or more examples of the type of person or thing you mean.
Faisal enjoys card games such as poker and bridge.
such as + game examples
You will need basic tools such as a hammer, screws, and a measuring tape.
Apinya collects traditional clothing such as kimonos and saris from her travels.
In hot weather, light fabrics such as cotton and linen help you stay cool.
such as + material or fabric examples
The school teaches practical skills such as cooking, sewing, and basic finance.
- such as
- for example
can begin a new sentence; more formal
- like
informal: 'big cats like lions'
- for instance
formal, often begins a new sentence
Grammar Patterns
such as + noun phrase
noun phrase + such as + examples
Common Mistakes
such — pronoun
1. used as a pronoun to point back to an individual or item of a type that was just
used as a pronoun to point back to an individual or item of a type that was just described, especially in the phrase 'as such', meaning 'in that role or capacity'.
Christopher is the team leader, and as such, he must approve all new ideas.
pattern: as such (referring back to a role)
The boxes were labeled fragile, and as such, the movers handled them with great care.
Aoi works as a translator, and as such, she travels between Tokyo and Taipei often.
The old bridge was unsafe, and as such, the city closed it to all traffic.
Vikram is the head chef, and as such, he decides the menu each evening.
pattern: as such (professional role)
- as such
Grammar Patterns
as such
Usage Note
The phrase 'as such' needs a clear antecedent — a previously stated role, description, or category that 'such' refers back to. This pattern is common in formal writing but less frequent in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
2. used at the start of a sentence or clause to refer to a fact, situation, or qual
used at the start of a sentence or clause to refer to a fact, situation, or quality that was just stated or implied, often in an inverted pattern like 'Such is…' or 'Such were…'.
Such was her kindness that everyone in the village knew her name.
inverted pattern: Such + be + subject + that-clause
Such are the rules of the game, and all players must follow them without question.
Such is life in a busy hospital — you never know what will happen next.
fixed expression: Such is life
Such were the director's final words before the meeting ended last night.
Such was the noise from the construction site that no one could concentrate on work.
- such...that
- such is
- such are
- such was
- such were
Grammar Patterns
Such + be + subject
such...that
Usage Note
In this inverted pattern, 'such' is followed by a form of 'be' and then the subject. This structure is formal and used for emphasis. The 'such…that' pattern (as in example 1 and 5) is also common in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
3. used after a list of examples to mean 'and other things or people of the same ge
used after a list of examples to mean 'and other things or people of the same general type'.
The backpack contained a map, snacks, a compass, and such for the hike.
collocation: and such (end of a list)
Yara packed clothes, shoes, books, and such for her long trip overseas.
The market sells fruits, vegetables, bread, and such every morning before noon.
Sofia enjoys movies, music, art, and such in her free time after class.
The library has novels, magazines, newspapers, and such for students to borrow.
collocation: and such (items of the same type)
- and such
- or such
- and the like
more formal than 'and such'; used in academic writing
- and so on
neutral register, equally common in speech and writing
- et cetera
formal borrowing from Latin, mainly in written English
Grammar Patterns
and such
or such
Usage Note
This sense is more informal than 'and the like' or 'such as'. It is used at the end of a list, never at the beginning. In more formal writing, 'and so on', 'and the like', or 'among others' are preferred.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- suchlikeadjectiveB2
- suchlikepronounC1
- as suchphraseB2
- such and suchphraseB2
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/4
such 和 so 是學習者最常混淆的一組。such 是 predeterminer / determiner，後面必須接名詞片語（such a hot day / such beautiful flowers），而 so 是副詞，後面直接接形容詞或副詞（so hot / so quickly）。「so + 形容詞 + a + 名詞」的結構（so hot a day）雖然正確，但非常正式，現代口語中幾乎只用 such a hot day。 「this kind of / that kind of」和「like that」是 such 在「指稱類型」用法上的日常替代說法。例如「such behaviour」可以說成「that kind of behaviour」或「behaviour like that」——但這類片語無法用在強調程度的語境中。你不能說「＊that kind of a hot day」來表達「非常熱的一天」。簡而言之：表示程度→用 such a/an + (adj) + noun；表示類型→用 such / that kind of / like that 皆可；修飾形容詞本身→只能用 so。
Common collocations
Etymology
such 源自古英語 swelċ / swilċ，字面義為「so + like」（如此 + 像），由 so（如此）與字尾 -līk（形體、樣貌，即 modern -ly）組合而成。與德語 solch、荷蘭語 zulk、瑞典語 sådan 同源。核心意義「像那樣／那樣的一類」從古英語時期延續至今，而表示程度極高的用法（such a cold day）則在中古英語時期逐漸發展出來。