such
- 01 A2 Elementary
det.you use this to emphasize a quality or to say that something is very extreme.
det.used as an intensifier to emphasize the degree of a quality, typically followed by a noun or an adjective-noun phrase.
Simple“We had such a great time at the beach that we didn't want to leave.”
In context“The project was such a massive undertaking that the team had to hire three additional consultants just to manage the initial phase.”
PitfallIt was a such beautiful day. It was such a beautiful day.When using 'such' with a singular countable noun, 'a' or 'an' must come after 'such', not before it.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
det.of the type that you have just mentioned.
det.referring back to a previously mentioned or implied type, quality, or category.
Simple“I have never seen such a strange animal in my life.”
In context“The treaty stipulates that such measures should only be taken in the event of a total breakdown in diplomatic communications.”
Synonymssimilarthat kind of - 03 A2 Elementary
det.used with 'as' to give an example of something.
det.used in the phrasal construction 'such as' to introduce specific examples of a general category.
Simple“Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C.”
In context“The curriculum focuses on core STEM subjects, such as advanced calculus and organic chemistry, to prepare students for technical careers.”
UsageAlways followed by 'as' when introducing a list or example.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
pron.the person or thing that was just talked about.
pron.functions as a demonstrative pronoun referring to a previously mentioned person, thing, or situation.
Simple“If you want to be treated with respect, you must act as such.”
In context“The evidence was purely circumstantial, and the judge ruled it as such, refusing to allow it to influence the final verdict.”
From Middle English such, swuch, swich, swilch, swulch, from Old English swelċ, from Proto-West Germanic swalīk, from Proto-Germanic swalīkaz (“so formed, so like”), equivalent to so + like. Cognate with Scots swilk, sic, sik (“such”), Saterland Frisian suk (“such”), West Frisian suk, sok (“such”), Low German sülk, sulk, suk (“such”), Dutch zulk (“such”), German solch (“such”), Danish slig (“like that, such”), Swedish slik (“such”), Icelandic slíkur (“such”). More at so, like.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.