10/14/2011

You’re Such a So-and-So!

There are many ways to add emphasis in English. One way is as simple as using so or such in front of adjectives, adverbs or nouns. They add a nice, extra punch to your sentence.

Basically, we use so before adjectives (without nouns) or adverbs:
She is so kind.
She speaks so kindly of you.

And we use such before nouns (with or without adjectives):
She is such a kind person.
They are such kind people.
You’re such an idiot!
You’re such idiots!
Notice that we use such + a/an before singular nouns, but not before plural or uncountable nouns.

So / such phrases are often followed by a phrase that explains a consequence:
It was so hot (that) I went swimming.
It was such a hot day (that) I went swimming.

It’s so amazing how a little word can make such a difference!

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