[Mastering the Difference Between 'So' and 'Such' While Exploring Maine]-[AEE 778: So Versus Such and the Best Way to Eat Lobster Rolls in Maine USA]

All Ears English Podcast · B1 · 2017-07-24

📋 Summary

Mastering English Fluency: The Nuances of 'So' and 'Such'

In episode 778 of the All Ears English podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan address a listener's question regarding the common confusion between the modifiers "so" and "such." While both terms serve to emphasize a quality or degree, they function differently within a sentence structure. The hosts emphasize that learning these nuances is key to moving beyond intermediate-level English.

The Grammatical Distinction

The fundamental difference between the two lies in the grammatical category of the words that follow them:

So (Adverb): "So" is used to modify adjectives or adverbs. The hosts provide the example, "This book is so interesting," where "interesting" is an adjective. Another example provided is, "Why do you drive so fast?" where "fast" is an adverb. The rule is simple: if you are describing an adjective or adverb, use "so."
Such (Determiner): "Such" is used with noun phrases. A clear example provided is, "It's such a good idea for a vacation," where "a good idea" functions as a noun phrase. If one attempted to say, "It's so a good idea," it would be grammatically incorrect, as "so" cannot precede a noun phrase.

Natural Usage and Tone

Lindsay and Michelle note that while the definitions are similar—meaning "very" or "to this degree"—the tone of voice often shifts depending on which word is chosen. When using "so," speakers might elongate the word to add emphasis, such as in "these chocolates are so good." Conversely, "such" often acts as a bridge to a noun, as in "those are such good chocolates."

Interestingly, the hosts touch upon the informal, sometimes sarcastic, way native speakers occasionally break these rules. Lindsay mentions that one might hear, "Boston is so a cool city" in a playful or argumentative context, though this is considered an advanced, idiomatic variation that learners should only attempt once they have mastered the basics.

Bonus: The Usage of 'And Such'

The episode also covers the phrase "and such," which functions as a synonym for "etc." or "and so on." Lindsay suggests that using this phrase can make a speaker sound more "articulate" or "smart," though Michelle notes that it is not a part of her personal vernacular. An example used in their role-play was, "You can put your clothes and shoes and such in this closet." The hosts encourage listeners to keep their ears open for this, as it is a common way to close a list in casual American English.

Contextual Learning: Food and Travel in Maine

To ground these grammar points in real-world conversation, the hosts discuss their experiences in Maine, USA. They highlight local favorites like "potato donuts" from The Holy Donut and the iconic Maine lobster rolls. By incorporating these topics into a role-play, they demonstrate how to weave the grammar lessons into natural conversation:

So: "I heard lobster is so good up there."
Such: "It makes such a nice addition to the plate."

Ultimately, the hosts remind listeners that the goal is "connection, not perfection." By observing how native speakers use these modifiers in context—whether talking about travel, food, or daily life—learners can internalize the patterns and eventually use them naturally in their own speech.

🎯Key Sentences

What's going on?

That should be so exciting.

It's my kind of vacation.

I think I'm just the opposite.

Hey, we got to know ourselves, right?

Expand All

📝Key Phrases

get to know ourselves

go ahead and

jump in

bring it to life

noun phrase

Expand All

📖 Transcript

This is an All Ears English podcast, episode 778.

So versus such and the best way to eat lobster rolls in Maine, USA.

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast downloaded more than 50 million times.

We believe in connection, not perfection.

With your American hosts Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Boston and New York City, USA.

And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglishcom.

Or study on the web version →