Structures using ‘such’ and ‘so’ are similar in meaning, but different in construction. We often use ‘so’ and ‘such’ to mean ‘very’ or ‘really’. So and Such are the two words in the English language which are used to emphasize the meaning of the sentence. It makes the sentence stronger and shows that there is a high level of something. They are also used to mean ‘like this’. These words are not the same, because while ‘so‘ is used to indicate ‘the extent of something’, ‘such‘ is used to denote ‘of the aforementioned or certain kind or degree’.
Such is a determiner; so is an adverb. They often have the same meaning of ‘very’ or ‘to this degree’. The main difference between the two structures is that ‘such’ takes a noun phrase, whereas ‘so’ takes an adjective.
Difference between So and Such –
SO
- Meaning The word ‘so’ means to a specific/high degree or very. You are doing so well.
- Basically, the word ‘so’ is used to denote the extent of something, very or without any question. However, it is mainly used to lay emphasis.
- So, in the simplest sense, means to a great degree. It may refer to very or really or without any kind of doubt.
- In English, it can be used in different contexts, hence, in different sentences, the meaning of ‘so’ can be different. The word ‘so’ is either used as an adverb or conjunction in a sentence.
- ‘So’ is often followed by an adjective or adverb,
- Examples: She has marked all the objectives so correctly.
SUCH
- The word ‘such’ is used to mean ‘of that kind or of a particular type indicated or implied’.
- The term ‘such’ refers to ‘of a specific type or kind, which is either previously stated or about to be stated or implied’. But it is primarily used to put stress on something.
- ‘Such’ means ‘of a specific or similar kind which is mentioned or implied.
- It is added in sentences as a determiner, predeterminer, and pronoun.
- A noun or sometimes noun phrase follows the word ‘such’.
- Examples: There is such a large tortoise. You are such a nice person.
