What does "such" mean?

1. (emphasizing a quality) you use this to emphasize a quality or to say that something is very extreme. 2. (of that kind) of the type that you have just mentioned. 3. (introducing an example) used with 'as' to give an example of something. 4. (the thing mentioned) the person or thing that was just talked about.

How do you use "such"?

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

Is it correct to say "It was a such beautiful day."?

No — say "It was such a beautiful day.". When using 'such' with a singular countable noun, 'a' or 'an' must come after 'such', not before it.

such

det. · pron.

US //ˈsətʃ// UK //sˈʌtʃ// such

1 emphasizing a quality (det.)
A2 Elementary

you use this to emphasize a quality or to say that something is very extreme.

used as an intensifier to emphasize the degree of a quality, typically followed by a noun or an adjective-noun phrase.

Example

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

Example

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.
2 of that kind (det.)
B1 Intermediate

of the type that you have just mentioned.

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

Example

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

Example

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

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3 introducing an example (det.)
A2 Elementary

used with 'as' to give an example of something.

used in the phrasal construction 'such as' to introduce specific examples of a general category.

Example

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

Example

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.
- like
- including
4 the thing mentioned (pron.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

the person or thing that was just talked about.

functions as a demonstrative pronoun referring to a previously mentioned person, thing, or situation.

Example

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

Example

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

Origin

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.