The word “so” emphasizes the adjective or adverb that follows and usually expresses a consequence.  Example: It was so expensive that we couldn’t afford it

The word “such” also emphasizes the meaning of the words that follow it and is also used to talk about consequences. It can be followed by a noun or by adjective + noun.

So and such

• We use “such a” before a singular countable noun. Example: It was such a scary film that I couldn’t sleep after watching it
• We use “such” before an uncountable or plural noun.  Examples: The storm caused such damage that people had to leave their homes.

We also use “so” and “such” to mean “like this”. For example: I hadn’t realized the house was so old.

Do you understand? Do this quiz and check it out!

So much and so many

We use “so much” and “so many” to refer to the number or quantity of something.

• Before uncountable nouns we use “so much”. Example: There was so much traffic that we could not move at all.
• Before countable nouns we use “so many”. Example: There were so many people that no one else could enter the building.

We can omit a noun after so much / many, if the meaning is clear. Example: I can’t eat that rice. There’s so much!

“So much” can also be used as an adverb. Example: I wish my students wouldn’t talk so much in class.

Exercise: Complete the following sentences with “so much” or “so many”

1. There were ………………… books that I didn’t know which one to read.
2. She works ………………… that she’s exhausted at the end of the day.
3. The ride was ………………… fun that we went on it six times.
4. This politician has lied ………………… times that nobody will vote her.
5. That barbecue was great, I had never eaten ………………… meat in my life!
6. There were ………………… e-mails in my inbox that I could only answer half of them.
7. This tree has ………………… apples that some branches may break down.
8. I’ve got ………………… shoes that I spend ages deciding which ones to wear.
9. I’d be more relaxed if I didn’t have ………………… problems.
10. I’m crazy about her, I love her …………………!