so/such

[chaves]

I'd like to know how to use SO and SUCH.

Thanks!

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by chaves

I'd like to know how to use SO and SUCH.

Thanks!

Both have several uses:

such (sŭch)
adj.

1. 1. Of this kind: a single parent, one of many such people in the neighborhood.
   2. Of a kind specified or implied: a boy such as yourself.
2. 1. Of a degree or quality indicated: Their anxiety was such that they could not sleep.
   2. Of so extreme a degree or quality: never dreamed of such wealth.

adv.

1. To so extreme a degree; so: such beautiful flowers; such a funny character.
2. Very; especially: She has been in such poor health lately.

pron.

1. 1. Such a person or persons or thing or things: was the mayor and as such presided over the council; expected difficulties, and such occurred.
   2. Itself alone or within itself: Money as such will seldom bring total happiness.
2. Someone or something implied or indicated: Such are the fortunes of war.
3. Similar things or people; the like: pins, needles, and such.

idiom:

such as

1. For example.

so1 (sō)
adv.

1. In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus: Hold the brush so.
2. To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent: She was so weary that she fell.
3. To a great extent; to such an evident degree: But the idea is so obvious.
4. Because of the reason given; consequently: She was weary and so fell.
5. Afterward; then: to the gas station and so home.
6. In the same way; likewise: You were on time and so was I.
7. Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm: So you think you've got troubles?
8. In truth; indeed: “You aren't right.” “I am so!”

adj.

1. True; factual: I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.
2. In good order: Everything on his desk must be exactly so.

conj. Usage Problem.

1. With the result or consequence that: He failed to appear, so we went on without him.
2. In order that: I stayed so I could see you.

pron.
Such as has already been suggested or specified; the same: She became a loyal friend and remained so.
interj.
Used to express surprise or comprehension: So! You've finished your work at last.
idioms:

so as to

1. In order to: Mail your package early so as to ensure its timely arrival.

so that

1. In order that: I stopped so that you could catch up.
2. With the result or consequence that.

so what

1. Used to express contempt or lack of interest.

The AHD

[Humble]

Hi, chaves,
It's easy.
With nouns following adjectives, you use either such a or so +adjective + a:
Lily is such a charming girl!
You have such cute kittens!

It seems to me, the other phrase is not so common in casual speech.
This is not so urgent a matter to discuss it now.

When there is an adjective or an adverb in the final position or when there is no noun, we use so:
Your new sweater is so cool!
She sings so sweetly!
Not so fast, young man!
It's so wonderful!
So wonderful!

Regards

[Humble]

Oh, I'm a bit late! Ok, it won't hurt, will it?

[Tdol]

Not at all.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Humble

Hi, chaves,
It's easy.
With nouns following adjectives, you use either such a or so +adjective + a:
Lily is such a charming girl!
You have such cute kittens!

It seems to me, the other phrase is not so common in casual speech.
This is not so urgent a matter [as] to discuss it now.

When there is an adjective or an adverb in the final position or when there is no noun, we use so:
Your new sweater is so cool!
She sings so sweetly!
Not so fast, young man!
It's so wonderful!
So wonderful!

Regards

I couldn't have put it so succinctly myself (as you could probably have guessed )

In the sentence I've queried, I'd normally expect the as (as marked). I think I have met it without, but I'd always include the as myself.

b