English Reference

Word

such

US/ˈsətʃ/

UK/sˈʌtʃ/

Definitions

01emphasizing a quality

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.

“We had such a great time at the beach that we didn't want to leave.”

“The project was such a massive undertaking that the team had to hire three additional consultants just to manage the initial phase.”

Pitfall

It 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.

Synonyms

02of that kind

B1 · Intermediate

det. of the type that you have just mentioned.

det. referring back to a previously mentioned or implied type, quality, or category.

“I have never seen such a strange animal in my life.”

“The treaty stipulates that such measures should only be taken in the event of a total breakdown in diplomatic communications.”

Synonyms

similarthat kind of

03introducing an example

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.

“Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C.”

“The curriculum focuses on core STEM subjects, such as advanced calculus and organic chemistry, to prepare students for technical careers.”

Usage

Always followed by 'as' when introducing a list or example.

Synonyms

04the thing mentioned

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

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.

“If you want to be treated with respect, you must act as such.”

“The evidence was purely circumstantial, and the judge ruled it as such, refusing to allow it to influence the final verdict.”

Synonyms

Etymology

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.

Grammar

Domain

Philosophy

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-2
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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