such
/sʌtʃ/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌtʃ] /sʌtʃ/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈʌtʃ] /ˈsəch ˈsich/ (ame, mw)
such — noun
1. used after 'as' to show that you mean something strictly according to the defini
used after 'as' to show that you mean something strictly according to the definition of the word just mentioned, and not in a wider or looser sense
There is no library as such in the town, but the community centre has books.
as such after 'no + noun'
Adisa is not a designer as such, but she creates illustrations for local brands.
The programme does not offer a degree as such, just a certificate of completion.
After reading the letter twice, Mina said it was not a complaint as such, though it did list several problems.
Nikos never held an official title as such — the office had no formal roles.
- strictly speaking
adverbial phrase that can often replace 'as such' without changing the meaning; more explicit about the strictness
- in the strict sense
more formal than 'as such'; often used in academic or legal writing
- properly speaking
similar meaning but slightly old-fashioned; less common in everyday speech
- loosely speaking
indicates the opposite — that you are using a word in a broad or approximate way
- in a broad sense
opposite register — signals a wide, non-restrictive interpretation of a term
文法句型
no + noun + as such
not + [noun/role] + as such
never + [verb] + [noun] + as such
用法筆記
Typically follows a negative or limiting statement ('no', 'not', 'never') and is often followed by a clause beginning with 'but' or 'though' that provides a partial exception or qualification.
常見錯誤
such — adjective
- suchpositive
- suchercomparative
- suchestsuperlative
1. used to point to that exact kind of person or thing, usually one just described
used to point to that exact kind of person or thing, usually one just described or obvious from the situation — for example, after hearing about a luxury sports car, you might say you could never afford such a car.
Mira had never tasted such delicious food at a school cafeteria before.
such + adjective + noun for specific type
The librarian said there is no such book in the school collection.
there is no such + noun (denying existence)
After hearing the cruel joke, Luca wondered why anyone would say such a thing to a friend.
A reward system such as the one Bilal designed can motivate students.
- that kind of
more conversational, less formal
- of that sort
similar meaning, slightly more formal
文法句型
such + noun phrase + as + clause
such + noun phrase + that + clause
there is no such + noun
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the negative pattern 'no such + noun' to deny that a particular type of thing exists. Also used with 'as' to give an example of the type being discussed.
常見錯誤
2. to a degree or extent that is specified by a following clause — used to link a s
to a degree or extent that is specified by a following clause — used to link a situation and its result, as in 'the traffic was such that we missed the flight' or 'such was her fear that she could not speak'.
The noise from the construction was such that Sade could not concentrate on her homework.
such + that + clause (result pattern)
Such was the demand for tickets that the show sold out in one hour.
Such + be + noun + that (inverted fronting)
Gabriel's confidence was such that he volunteered to speak first at the conference.
The wind was such that small boats could not leave the harbour safely.
- so much
used with uncountable nouns; less common in this pattern
- to the point that
more informal, more conversational
文法句型
such + that + clause
Such + be + noun + that + clause
用法筆記
In formal English, 'such' can be fronted with inverted word order: 'Such was her anger that...' instead of 'Her anger was such that...'. The 'that' is occasionally omitted in informal speech, but is standard in written English.
常見錯誤
3. used in formal comments to refer back to that whole type of behaviour, event, or
used in formal comments to refer back to that whole type of behaviour, event, or condition after it has just been mentioned — for example, calling repeated lateness 'such behaviour'.
Renata arrived late three times, and such behaviour cannot be ignored by the manager.
such + noun referring back to previously described behaviour
The bridge was damaged in a storm, and such conditions made it unsafe to cross.
The hotel was noisy and dirty, and such complaints are common among travellers.
The church collected a small donation, and such acts of kindness happen every week.
- that kind of
less formal, more common in speech
- of that nature
formal, used in legal or official contexts
文法句型
such + noun
such + be + noun / noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is more common in formal writing (reports, official notices, academic texts) than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, speakers typically say 'that kind of' or 'that sort of' instead.
常見錯誤
4. used before a noun to emphasize that someone or something has an extreme quality
used before a noun to emphasize that someone or something has an extreme quality, often linking to a result — like saying 'it was such a hot day that the ice cream melted' or 'she has such lovely eyes'.
It was such a windy afternoon that Joon's umbrella broke in two.
such + a + adjective + noun + that (extreme + result)
Nila received such wonderful news that she called her mother immediately.
Piotr made such a loud noise in the kitchen that the dog started barking.
The garden had such beautiful flowers that visitors stopped to take photos.
文法句型
such + (adjective) + noun + that + clause
such + a/an + (adjective) + noun
用法筆記
This is the most common and earliest-learned sense of adjectival 'such'. A 'that'-clause is optional when the result is obvious from context: 'It was such a lovely day!' (the result is implied, not stated). Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 uses 'such + that-clause' without a noun ('His anger was such that...'), while sense 4 uses 'such + noun phrase' with an optional result.
常見錯誤
5. used to introduce examples that belong to the same group or category as the thin
used to introduce examples that belong to the same group or category as the thing just mentioned — for instance, 'large birds such as eagles and hawks' means eagles and hawks are examples of large birds.
Fruit trees such as apple and pear grow well in this region.
such as + example (category member)
Jin enjoys team sports such as basketball and football.
Certain medical conditions such as asthma require regular check-ups.
Ancient civilisations such as Rome and Egypt have influenced modern culture greatly.
- like
less formal, far more common in everyday speech
- for example
functions as a sentence adverbial, not directly attached to nouns
- including
suggests a partial list, similar but not identical
文法句型
such as + noun / noun phrase
plural noun + such as + example
用法筆記
'Such as' is more formal than 'like' for introducing examples. In casual speech, 'like' is far more common ('fruits like apples'). In academic and formal writing, prefer 'such as'.
常見錯誤
6. used as a placeholder for a specific but unnamed person, thing, time, or amount
used as a placeholder for a specific but unnamed person, thing, time, or amount — for example, 'at such and such a time' means at a particular time that the speaker does not want or need to name exactly.
The form asks you to confirm that you arrived at such and such a date.
such and such + noun (unnamed placeholder)
The teacher told the class to read chapter such-and-such for homework.
If someone says they saw the missing bracelet at such a place, you can check the hotel records.
The contract says the payment is due on such and such a day each month.
文法句型
such-and-such + noun
such and such + noun
at such a time
such a one
用法筆記
This sense is mostly used in formal or bureaucratic contexts (contracts, forms, legal documents) or when a speaker deliberately avoids giving a specific name or number. Less common in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
such — adverb
1. placed before an adjective that comes before a noun to indicate that the quality
placed before an adjective that comes before a noun to indicate that the quality described exists to a very high degree — for instance, saying 'such a hot day' means the day is extremely hot, or 'such beautiful flowers' means the flowers are remarkably beautiful.
Layla had never seen such a large crowd at the local market before.
such a + adjective + singular noun (extreme degree)
The children made such a terrible mess that their mother asked them to clean it up.
Imran could not believe such expensive shoes were now on sale for half price.
Wei received such wonderful news that she called her best friend right away.
Élise said she had never tasted such delicious chocolate in her entire life.
文法句型
such a/an + adjective + singular noun
such + adjective + plural noun
such + adjective + uncountable noun
用法筆記
Always requires a following adjective that modifies the noun in the same phrase. For singular countable nouns, the pattern 'such a/an + adjective + noun' is mandatory — the article cannot be dropped or moved before 'such'. For plural and uncountable nouns, no article is used.
常見錯誤
2. used before a noun to say that something is particularly true or strongly applie
used before a noun to say that something is particularly true or strongly applies, in a way similar to 'especially' or 'very' — for instance, saying 'it was such a shame' means it was a great shame, and 'he is such a gentleman' means he is a perfect gentleman.
It was such a shame that Caio could not join the team for the final match.
such a + abstract noun (emphatic statement)
Adisa said it was such a pleasure to work with friendly colleagues every day.
Romi thinks hiking in the mountains is such fun during the cool autumn months.
Lara told her mother that the award ceremony was such an honour for everyone.
- especially
adverb; 'especially fun' is more direct but less emphatic
- really
informal; 'really a shame' vs 'such a shame' — similar emphasis
文法句型
such a/an + abstract noun
such + uncountable noun (e.g. such fun)
用法筆記
Commonly appears with abstract nouns that express emotions or evaluations — 'such a pleasure', 'such a shame', 'such a pity', 'such fun', 'such an honour'. When the noun is uncountable (like 'fun'), no article is used. This sense emphasises the noun itself rather than a specific quality measured on a scale.
常見錯誤
3. used to describe the way something is done, arranged, or happens, linking an act
used to describe the way something is done, arranged, or happens, linking an action or situation to its intended or actual result — for instance, 'the room was arranged such that everyone could see the screen' means the arrangement created that effect, and 'rules such as to ensure fairness' means the rules are designed to produce fairness.
The chairs were arranged such that every guest could see the stage.
such that + clause (manner with result)
Caio designed the shelf such as to hold all of his heavy textbooks.
such as to + infinitive (purpose)
The sound system was positioned such that music reached every corner of the room.
Wei wrote the instructions such that even a beginner could follow them easily.
- so that
more common in everyday English; 'so that everyone could see'
- in such a way that
fuller form; slightly more explicit but less common
文法句型
such that + clause
such as to + infinitive
such...as to + infinitive
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'that' plus a clause describing a resulting situation, or by 'as to' plus an infinitive describing a purpose. This construction is more common in formal and written English than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, speakers often use 'so that' or 'in a way that' instead.
常見錯誤
such — determiner / pronoun
1. placed before a noun to say that something has an extreme level of a quality — f
placed before a noun to say that something has an extreme level of a quality — for example, such a tall building, such strong coffee, or such awful news that nobody could believe it.
The children made such a mess in the kitchen that their mother asked them to clean it up.
such a + noun + that-clause for showing result
I have never tasted such delicious soup — could you share the recipe with me?
It was such a long film that João fell asleep before the ending.
The garden had such beautiful flowers that visitors stopped to take pictures.
We had such good weather during our trip to the mountains near the city.
文法句型
such a/an + adjective + noun
such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun
such a/an + noun + that-clause
用法筆記
Frequently followed by a that-clause that describes the result of the extreme degree. With singular countable nouns, 'a' or 'an' must come after 'such' (not before it).
常見錯誤
2. pointing back to a type of person or thing that was mentioned in an earlier sent
pointing back to a type of person or thing that was mentioned in an earlier sentence — for instance, saying you have never witnessed such dishonesty after hearing about a colleague who lied to customers.
The manager told us to report any such problems to her immediately.
any such + noun for referring back to a category
Evelyn has never said such things about anyone in her class before.
Rules such as these are in place to keep everyone safe at school.
I cannot believe that a respected doctor would give such advice.
We do not usually accept such behaviour from students in our school.
- that kind of
more conversational and explicit; 'that kind of behaviour' instead of 'such behaviour'
- of that sort
slightly more formal; 'issues of that sort'
文法句型
such + noun
such as + noun phrase
any such + noun
such + noun + as/that
用法筆記
Often refers back to something mentioned in an earlier sentence or clause. When the noun is singular countable, 'such a/an' is used the same way as in sense 1, but the emphasis is on type rather than degree.
常見錯誤
3. used when the speaker is about to state or explain what kind of person or thing
used when the speaker is about to state or explain what kind of person or thing is meant — for example, telling a friend that such a scheme requires careful planning, and then going on to describe the scheme in detail.
There are no such things as ghosts, my grandfather told me firmly.
no such + noun + as for denying existence of a category
The law punishes such acts as stealing money from old people.
A prize such as a free trip would encourage more students to try harder.
In such cases as this one, the school calls the parents immediately.
- like
more conversational; 'fruits like apples' instead of 'such fruits as apples'
- of the type
more formal and explicit; 'of the type that grows in cold climates'
文法句型
such + noun + as
such + noun + that-clause
such as + noun phrase
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: sense 3 introduces the category for the first time, while sense 2 refers back to a category already mentioned. The 'such…as' structure is common here.
4. placed after a short list of things to show that other things of the same genera
placed after a short list of things to show that other things of the same general kind are included too — for example, 'cards, gifts, and such' means cards, gifts, and similar items.
The shop sells cards, gifts, and such — all at very low prices.
noun + and such for listing similar items
We need to buy food, drinks, plates, and such for the party.
Anong enjoys reading novels, poetry, and such in her free time.
The job requires basic computer skills, filing, and such.
- and the like
more formal; 'novels, poetry, and the like'
- and so forth
neutral register; 'food, drinks, and so forth'
- etc.
common in writing; 'pens, paper, etc.'
文法句型
noun + and such
noun, noun, and such
用法筆記
This sense is informal and usually appears at the end of a list. In formal writing, 'and the like' or 'and so forth' is preferred.
常見錯誤
5. placed after a noun to show that you are using a word or phrase in its full, exa
placed after a noun to show that you are using a word or phrase in its full, exact meaning without any softening or exception — for example, calling someone a 'leader in the true sense of the word' means they fully deserve that title.
A teacher in the true sense of the word cares about more than just grades.
in the true sense of the word for precise meaning
This is not a holiday in the usual sense — we will be working every day.
After months of patient work, Christopher proved he was a gentleman in every sense of the term.
After dinner ended in silence, there was no real conversation between them, not in any meaningful sense.
Brandon is not an artist in the formal sense but his drawings are lovely.
- literally
adverb form; 'literally a genius' but less formal
- strictly speaking
adverbial phrase; 'strictly speaking, he is not an employee'
文法句型
in the + adjective + sense of the word
in every sense of the term
in the true sense
用法筆記
Typically appears in the fixed phrase patterns 'in the X sense of the word' or 'in every sense.' The noun before 'sense' is often an adjective of precision: true, literal, strict, formal, usual, meaningful.
常見錯誤
6. used to introduce one or more specific examples of the general kind of person or
used to introduce one or more specific examples of the general kind of person or thing you are talking about — for example, 'fruits such as apples and oranges' gives apples and oranges as examples of fruit.
Large animals, such as elephants and whales, need a lot of space to live.
such as + noun phrase for giving examples
Some fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain a lot of vitamin C.
Many countries, such as Japan and Canada, have very cold winters.
The museum displays ancient tools, such as stone knives and wooden bowls.
Sports such as basketball and football are popular among young people.
- like
more conversational; 'fruits like apples' but can also mean 'similar to'
- for example
used at the start of a sentence or clause; 'for example, apples are a good source of fibre'
- including
implies a partial list; 'fruits including apples and oranges'
文法句型
such as + noun phrase
noun phrase + such as + noun phrase
用法筆記
Do not use a comma after 'such as' — it introduces the examples directly. 'Such as' differs from 'like' in that 'such as' is preferred for giving actual examples, while 'like' can also be used for comparisons.
常見錯誤
7. used to connect a noun or situation to a following clause (with 'that' or 'as')
used to connect a noun or situation to a following clause (with 'that' or 'as') that explains what particular kind of person, thing, or situation is meant — for example, saying the problem was such that nobody could solve it identifies the type of problem by linking it to the result.
Ayesha received such glowing praise from her boss that she asked for a promotion.
such + noun + that-clause for linking to a describing result
The traffic was such that Dario reached the airport only two minutes before take-off.
The instructor gave us such instructions as none of the group had ever seen before.
Tendai planted such vegetables in her garden as would grow well in the local climate.
The restaurant faced a crisis such as the owners had never dealt with before.
- like
more conversational; 'a sound like I had never heard' instead of 'a sound such as I had never heard'
- of the sort
more formal; 'an event of the sort that happens only once'
- unlike
direct opposite; 'a feeling unlike any I had known'
文法句型
such + noun + that-clause
such + noun + as + clause
noun + such as + clause
such as to + infinitive
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SO GREAT): sense 1 emphasizes extreme degree with a that-clause of result ('such a hot day that...'), while this sense identifies the kind or type and connects it to a defining or descriptive clause. More common in formal and literary writing than in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
8. placed after a noun in the fixed phrase 'such as it is' (or 'such as they are')
placed after a noun in the fixed phrase 'such as it is' (or 'such as they are') to show that what you are talking about is not very good, not enough, or not impressive — for example, calling the free breakfast 'such as it was' means it was very simple or small.
The free breakfast at the hostel, such as it was, could not fill a hungry teenager.
noun + such as it was for conceding limited quality
Eli knew some French, such as it was, from a phone app he used on the bus.
Their camping gear, such as they had, was just one tent and two thin sleeping bags.
The city's help, such as it was, arrived three weeks after the storm.
- whatever there is of it
fuller, more explicit phrase; 'whatever help there was, it arrived too late'
- meagre
adjective to describe the noun instead; 'the meagre breakfast did not fill anyone'
文法句型
noun + such as it is
noun + such as they are
noun + such as there is/are
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed formula 'noun + such as it is / such as they are.' The verb form agrees with the noun: 'such as it is' for singular and 'such as they are' for plural. The tone is often dismissive, apologetic, or modest. This structure is more common in British English than American English.
常見錯誤
such — predeterminer
1. placed before 'a' or 'an' plus an adjective and noun to make the speaker's feeli
placed before 'a' or 'an' plus an adjective and noun to make the speaker's feeling or reaction sound stronger.
Naoko had such a busy week that she barely slept.
such + a/an + adj + noun + that + clause for result
It was such a cold morning that Sofia wore three layers.
Christopher made such a big meal that there were leftovers for three days.
I have never met such a kind neighbour as Mrs. Yamada.
The garden was in such a lovely spot next to the old river that couples often came there for photos.
文法句型
such + a/an + (adj) + noun
such + a/an + (adj) + noun + that + clause
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern 'such a/an + adjective + noun + that + clause' to express a result.
常見錯誤
2. used before a plural or uncountable noun to refer to a category of people or thi
used before a plural or uncountable noun to refer to a category of people or things that both speaker and listener already have in mind from what was just said — like saying 'such antiques are valuable' after mentioning an old grandfather clock, without pointing to a specific item or introducing a new type.
Gabriel loves spicy Thai food, and such dishes remind him of his travels.
such + noun referring back to mentioned category
The old library had thousands of rare books, and such places need care and funding.
Élise enjoys sewing her own clothes because such work lets her be creative.
Very few schools teach glassblowing these days, so such skills are hard to find.
The family heirloom was made of silver, and such material lasts for generations.
- like that
more conversational: 'I like music like that.'
- of that sort
slightly more formal
文法句型
such + (adj) + noun
用法筆記
Usually refers back to a category of people or things already mentioned in the same or an earlier sentence.
常見錯誤
3. used with 'as' to introduce one or more examples of the type of person or thing
used with 'as' to introduce one or more examples of the type of person or thing you mean.
Faisal enjoys card games such as poker and bridge.
such as + game examples
You will need basic tools such as a hammer, screws, and a measuring tape.
Apinya collects traditional clothing such as kimonos and saris from her travels.
In hot weather, light fabrics such as cotton and linen help you stay cool.
The school teaches practical skills such as cooking, sewing, and basic finance.
- for example
can begin a new sentence; more formal
- like
informal: 'big cats like lions'
- for instance
formal, often begins a new sentence
文法句型
such as + noun phrase
noun phrase + such as + examples
常見錯誤
such — pronoun
1. used as a pronoun to point back to an individual or item of a type that was just
used as a pronoun to point back to an individual or item of a type that was just described, especially in the phrase 'as such', meaning 'in that role or capacity'.
Christopher is the team leader, and as such, he must approve all new ideas.
pattern: as such (referring back to a role)
The boxes were labeled fragile, and as such, the movers handled them with great care.
Aoi works as a translator, and as such, she travels between Tokyo and Taipei often.
The old bridge was unsafe, and as such, the city closed it to all traffic.
Vikram is the head chef, and as such, he decides the menu each evening.
文法句型
as such
用法筆記
The phrase 'as such' needs a clear antecedent — a previously stated role, description, or category that 'such' refers back to. This pattern is common in formal writing but less frequent in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
2. used at the start of a sentence or clause to refer to a fact, situation, or qual
used at the start of a sentence or clause to refer to a fact, situation, or quality that was just stated or implied, often in an inverted pattern like 'Such is…' or 'Such were…'.
Such was her kindness that everyone in the village knew her name.
inverted pattern: Such + be + subject + that-clause
Such are the rules of the game, and all players must follow them without question.
Such is life in a busy hospital — you never know what will happen next.
Such were the director's final words before the meeting ended last night.
Such was the noise from the construction site that no one could concentrate on work.
文法句型
Such + be + subject
such...that
用法筆記
In this inverted pattern, 'such' is followed by a form of 'be' and then the subject. This structure is formal and used for emphasis. The 'such…that' pattern (as in example 1 and 5) is also common in formal writing.
常見錯誤
3. used after a list of examples to mean 'and other things or people of the same ge
used after a list of examples to mean 'and other things or people of the same general type'.
The backpack contained a map, snacks, a compass, and such for the hike.
collocation: and such (end of a list)
Yara packed clothes, shoes, books, and such for her long trip overseas.
The market sells fruits, vegetables, bread, and such every morning before noon.
Sofia enjoys movies, music, art, and such in her free time after class.
The library has novels, magazines, newspapers, and such for students to borrow.
- and the like
more formal than 'and such'; used in academic writing
- and so on
neutral register, equally common in speech and writing
- et cetera
formal borrowing from Latin, mainly in written English
文法句型
and such
or such
用法筆記
This sense is more informal than 'and the like' or 'such as'. It is used at the end of a list, never at the beginning. In more formal writing, 'and so on', 'and the like', or 'among others' are preferred.