subject + be/linking verb + so + adjective + that + clauseUse so before an adjective. The that-clause gives the result.
Result Clauses
B1Use so ... that and such ... that to show that something was very strong and caused a result.
What you'll learn
- Build result clauses with so + adjective + that.
- Build result clauses with such a/an + adjective + singular noun + that.
- Build result clauses with such + adjective + plural or uncountable noun + that.
- Choose so or such from the word pattern after it.
- Spot result markers like so, such, and that.
Structure
subject + be + such + a/an + adjective + singular noun + that + clauseUse such a/an with a singular countable noun phrase.
subject + be + such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun + that + clauseDo not use a/an before plural or uncountable nouns after such.
Build a sentence
Subject
Pattern
The coffeewassohotthat Maria couldn't drink it
The coffee was so hot that Maria couldn't drink it.
Use so before an adjective.
When to use
Strong quality
Use a result clause when an adjective is strong and leads to a visible result. The coffee was so hot that Maria couldn't drink it.
Strong noun phrase
Use such ... that when the cause is expressed as a noun phrase. It was such a noisy party that Tom left early.
Markers
sosuchthatso hot thatsuch a long day that
In contrast
vs purpose-clauses
Result clauses show what happened because something was strong. Purpose clauses show why someone did something.
Common mistakes
Wrong
The bag was such heavy that Tom stopped walking.
Correct
The bag was so heavy that Tom stopped walking.
Use so before an adjective on its own. Such needs a noun phrase.
Wrong
The room was so cold Maria wore her coat inside.
Correct
The room was so cold that Maria wore her coat inside.
In this pattern, that introduces the result clause.
Wrong
It was such long meeting that Anna missed lunch.
Correct
It was such a long meeting that Anna missed lunch.
A singular countable noun after such needs a or an.
Wrong
It was so long meeting that Anna missed lunch.
Correct
It was such a long meeting that Anna missed lunch.
Use such a/an before adjective + singular noun, not so.
Wrong
They were such a noisy neighbors that Lisa couldn't sleep.
Correct
They were such noisy neighbors that Lisa couldn't sleep.
Do not use a before a plural noun after such.
Wrong
They are so kind people that everyone likes them.
Correct
They are such kind people that everyone likes them.
When the next words form a noun phrase, use such, not so.
Common misconceptions
❝ So and such mean the same thing, so I can choose either one. ❞
Both show strong degree, but the pattern after them decides the choice: so + adjective/adverb, such + noun phrase.
❝ I can drop a or an after such if the meaning is clear. ❞
With a singular countable noun, a or an is required: such a big problem, such an exciting game.
Skills in this rule (6)
SO_PLUS_ADJECTIVE_THATw5Use so + adjective + that to show a strong result
Use this pattern when a quality is strong and it causes a result. Put the adjective after so and the result after that.
SUCH_A_AN_PLUS_ADJECTIVE_NOUN_THATw5Use such a/an + adjective + singular noun + that to show a strong result
Use this pattern with a singular countable noun. Choose a or an before the adjective + noun group, then add the result with that.
SUCH_PLUS_ADJECTIVE_PLURAL_OR_UNCOUNTABLE_NOUN_THATw4Use such + adjective + plural or uncountable noun + that to show a strong result
Use such with plural nouns and uncountable nouns. Do not add a or an before the noun phrase.
CHOOSE_SO_OR_SUCHw5Choose so or such from the words that follow
Use so before an adjective or adverb. Use such before a noun phrase.
USE_RESULT_PATTERNS_FOR_STRONG_EFFECTw3Use result clauses to connect a strong cause and its result
Use these patterns when one situation becomes intense and leads to a clear result. The first part shows degree; the that-clause shows what happened next.
PICK_RESULT_MARKERSw3Recognize result markers in a sentence
Look for so, such, and that as signals that one part gives the cause and the next part gives the result.