Confusable words

so vs such: what's the difference?

so
adverb
vs
such
adjective (determiner)
? ?

So and such both add emphasis, meaning very, but they fit into the sentence in different ways.

So

adverb

So is followed directly by an adjective or adverb.

  • The movie was so good.
  • She talks so fast.

so full definition →

Such

adjective (determiner)

Such is followed by an article and a noun, often with an adjective in between.

  • It was such a good movie.
  • She's such a fast talker.

such full definition →

Side by side

so such
Followed by An adjective or adverb alone a/an + adjective + noun
Pattern so + adjective such + a/an + adjective + noun
Simple test "so good" "such a good movie"

Quick rule

So goes with an adjective alone. Such goes with a noun, usually with "a" or "an" in front. So good, but such a good film.

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