So...that vs Such...that

B1 Intermediate

Use 'so' and 'such' to add emphasis to a quality or characteristic that leads to a specific result. These structures connect a cause to an effect using a 'that' clause.

Overview

Both so...that and such...that express the same idea: a quality is so extreme that it produces a particular result. The choice between them depends entirely on the grammatical structure of the phrase following the intensifier.

Form

so + adjective/adverb + (that) OR such + (a/an) + adjective + noun + (that)

Use so before adjectives or adverbs. Use such before a noun or an adjective-noun phrase. The word that is often optional in informal speech.

So vs. Such

Structure	Example
so + adjective	The music was so loud that I couldn't sleep.
so + adverb	They spoke so quietly that I couldn't hear them.
such + a/an + adjective + noun	It was such a loud party that the neighbors complained.
such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun	They are such kind people that everyone loves them.

Examples

Common mistakes

It was a so cold day that we stayed inside.
It was such a cold day that we stayed inside.
Do not use 'so' directly before a noun phrase starting with an article.
The movie was such interesting that I watched it twice.
The movie was so interesting that I watched it twice.
Use 'so' when there is no noun following the adjective.

Practice

The exam was ___ difficult that many students failed.
Show answer
so
Answer:so
Why:'Difficult' is an adjective standing alone without a noun, so 'so' is required.
It was ___ a boring film that I fell asleep.
Show answer
such
Answer:such
Why:The phrase 'a boring film' is a noun phrase, which requires 'such'.
She plays the piano ___ well that she won the competition.
Show answer
so
Answer:so
Why:'Well' is an adverb; 'so' is used to intensify adverbs.