such
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌtʃ/
US
- /ˈsətʃ/
Description
- like this
- to this extent
- of this kind
- so great
- of that type
"Such" helps point to the kind of thing you mean or the strength of it. It is often used before a noun to add emphasis. If you say, "It was such a great film," you are not only saying the film was great, but also giving that feeling extra weight.
It can also show that something feels surprising, strong, or very noticeable: "He's such a talented musician for someone so young." Another common use appears in "such as," which introduces examples: "Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C." A useful rule is this: "such" usually goes with a noun or an adjective plus a noun. You can say "It was so amazing," but "It was such an amazing day."
The word "such" is very flexible. It usually works as a determiner, and sometimes as a pronoun, to show the kind of thing being talked about or to stress the level of something. Very often, it marks something as noticeable, strong, surprising, or clearly of a certain type.
Before a noun phrase, "such" adds emphasis to a quality or situation. In "She showed such kindness to strangers," it strengthens the idea of kindness. With a singular countable noun, it often appears before "a" or "an": "They faced such a difficult challenge." It can also be used with plural or uncountable nouns, as in "They had such problems before" or "I have never seen such patience."
One of its most common patterns is "such as," which introduces examples from a larger group: "Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C." In this use, it helps move from a general idea to specific cases.
Sometimes "such" stands alone and refers back to something already mentioned. This is more common in formal writing or set expressions: "Such was his luck," or "I had never seen anything like it, and I hoped never to see such again." Here, the word points back to a type, event, or quality already understood from the context.
"Such" is also important when learners compare it with "so." In simple terms, "so" usually goes with adjectives or adverbs, while "such" usually goes with nouns or noun phrases. We say "so beautiful," but "such a beautiful view." Because of that pattern, "such" often carries both meaning and structure: it tells you not just how strong something feels, but also what kind of thing it is.
Overall, "such" is a word of emphasis, type, and reference. It helps speakers say that something is of this kind, to this degree, or worth noticing in a special way.
Examples
- 1
Positive reaction
It was such a good idea.
Grammar
such a + adjective + singular countable noun
- 2
People
I've never met such friendly people.
- 3
Gratitude
Thank you for showing me such patience.
- 4
Hurry
Why are you in such a hurry?
- 5
Result
It was such a long meeting that everyone looked tired at the end.
Pattern
such ... that
so ... that, with a result
- 6
Giving examples
Small details such as the lighting and music can change the mood of a room.
Phrase
such as
for example
- 7
Vague category
We don't sell tools, paint, or such things here.
Phrase
such things
things of that kind
- 8
Nonexistence
There is no such thing as a perfect job.
Phrase
no such thing as
it does not exist
- 9
Not exactly
She wasn't angry as such, just disappointed.
Pattern
not ... as such
not exactly in that way
- 10
Official role
He is our legal adviser, and as such he should be in the meeting.
Phrase
as such
in that role
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- suchadjectiveadverb