such
determiner
UK/sʌtʃ/US/sʌtʃ/
Of the type, extent, or degree indicated or understood from context; referring to something previously mentioned or implied.
Example Sentences
It’s such an interesting topic that I could read about it for hours.
They couldn’t believe they made such a significant breakthrough in such a short time.
I’ve never experienced such kindness from strangers before visiting this community.
She never expected to face such difficulties when she first accepted the new position.
He looked surprised at the news, as he wasn’t aware of such developments in the industry.
With such limited resources, the charity still managed to support thousands of families each month.
We had never seen such a vibrant sunset; the sky appeared ablaze with orange and pink hues.
Always keep an open mind—life can take you on such unexpected paths, teaching you lessons you never anticipated.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
pronoun
UK/sʌtʃ/US/sʌtʃ/
Used to refer back to something previously mentioned or implied, often to avoid repeating a noun or noun phrase.
Example Sentences
He promised to finalize the deal, but his behavior indicates he may not be capable of such.
She completed her entire project with scarce resources, and few could have accomplished such without help.
The company strives for efficiency in every department, but some employees question whether such is truly attainable.
We discussed the guidelines; however, I doubt they intended such to apply universally.
They claimed the new policy would bring benefits, yet we must see how such might affect those in lower-income brackets.
He insisted on fair treatment for all staff; such was his most firmly held principle as a manager.
Many advocates champion strict environmental rules, but how effectively such measures will be enforced remains to be seen.
Investors often chase quick returns, but such is rarely sustainable without careful risk assessment.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Specifies similarity, extent, or kind within contexts or examples.This term typically functions as a determiner or pronoun to highlight the quality, type, or degree of a noun. For example, if you say, “She’s never seen such beauty before,” you’re emphasizing a remarkable level of beauty. Likewise, “I didn’t expect such generosity” underscores a notable degree of kindness. When paired with phrases like “such a,” as in “He’s such a talented musician,” it intensifies the descriptive quality of the following noun.You can also use the word when drawing parallels or comparisons: “I haven’t witnessed such dedication since our last project.” In these contexts, it implies that the described level or type of trait or experience is uncommon or noteworthy. In formal or academic writing, “such” can link an example to a general statement, such as “In cases where resources are scarce, such measures become vital.” This usage helps the reader connect the specific example (the measures) back to the broader situation (scarce resources). Pay attention to whether you need to supply additional context or examples to clarify what “such” refers to, keeping your statements clear and concise. Too many uses of “such” in a single passage can feel repetitive, so consider synonyms or rephrase for variety where possible.
Alternatives
For a similar meaning, you might use terms like “this kind of,” “that type of,” or “similar.” If you want to specify a notable level of something, phrases such as “so much,” “so great,” or “so [adjective]” can serve a comparable function: “I’ve never seen so much generosity.” However, these variants can alter the tone or construction of the sentence. The phrase “of this sort” or “of that sort” can be helpful in academic or formal contexts, adding clarity or formality.Using “similarly” can connect a specific example to a broader principle, but it shifts the structure slightly: “Her dedication was evident. Similarly, his perseverance was notable.” In this instance, you’re drawing parallels without necessarily intensifying a particular quality, as “such” often does. Another approach is to use adjectives or expanded phrases to detail the extent of an attribute: “She displayed an unparalleled level of generosity.” By mixing in these alternatives, you can maintain variety in your expressions and avoid overreliance on “such.”
Writing
In writing, “such” can elegantly reinforce the notion that a previously mentioned element carries significance or deserves emphasis. For instance, “We encountered numerous obstacles; such difficulties required innovative solutions.” Here, “such” explicitly ties the difficulties to the earlier mention of obstacles, highlighting their scope or importance. In academic or technical texts, you might pair it with general statements followed by supporting data: “Certain protocols must be followed for safety; such measures protect against contamination.”However, be sure to remain concise. Repeatedly starting sentences with “Such...” can wear on readability. Also, check whether each use of “such” is absolutely necessary. Sometimes, an explicit descriptive phrase—“these extreme circumstances,” “the aforementioned constraints”—can convey your meaning more directly. If you want to highlight the size, quality, or intensity of something, weaving in comparative or superlative adjectives may offer greater specificity than simply relying on “such.” By keeping usage balanced and intentional, you ensure clarity while preserving variety in your prose.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “such” frequently appears in expressions that amplify a particular trait or feeling. Commonly, you’ll hear: “That was such a great movie!” or “He’s such a good friend!” In these contexts, it’s a straightforward intensifier, adding an enthusiastic flavor to your statement. It can also apply in quick comparisons, like “I’ve never seen such gorgeous scenery!” if you’re astonished by a view.Beyond emphasis, “such” often appears in placeholders: “and such,” “and stuff,” or “and things like that,” especially when you don’t want to list every possible item. For example, “We brought snacks, drinks, and such for the picnic.” This usage keeps the tone light and informal, but overuse can sound vague. If you wish to be more specific, try enumerating a short list or using synonyms like “similar items” or “other things.” Balancing your usage of “such” helps keep your everyday talk both engaging and clear.
Etymology
Rooted in Old English “swylc” and related to Old High German “sulih,” the word originally meant “of this or that kind” or “like so.” Over the centuries, its spelling shifted to forms like “sutch” or “suche” in Middle English, eventually stabilizing into the modern spelling “such.” Despite the form evolving, its core function—to highlight the nature or degree of something—remains consistent.This linguistic heritage reveals a longstanding need to single out specific qualities or types in speech. The word has endured because it elegantly accomplishes this task without requiring lengthy elaboration. As English developed and absorbed influences from French, Latin, and other languages, “such” remained a steadfast determiner. Today, you’ll see it in everything from casual conversation—“We had such fun!”—to formal legal documents—“the party agreed to such terms as stated above.” Its broad usage across contexts underscores its adaptability, making “such” a small but powerful tool for clarity and emphasis.