So, such, too and enough
Use so before an adjective and such (a) before a noun phrase to make them stronger. Too means more than is good; enough means as much as needed, after an adjective but before a noun.
How it works
- so + adjective or adverb: The film was so funny. She speaks so fast.
- such + (a/an) + adjective + noun: It was such a funny film. They are such kind people.
- so much + uncountable noun, so many + plural noun: I have so much work. There were so many people.
- too + adjective = more than is good or possible: This coffee is too hot to drink. Too much sugar, too many cars.
- enough goes after an adjective or adverb but before a noun: old enough, fast enough, enough money, enough chairs.
- Add a result with that or to: It was so hot that we stayed in. He's too young to drive. She's old enough to vote.
- Too is negative, so don't use it to praise: Your house is so beautiful (not too beautiful).
Examples
Ha Long Bay is so beautiful in the early morning.
It was such a long day that I fell asleep on the bus.
This soup is too spicy for my kids.
Is your son old enough to ride a motorbike?
We don't have enough chairs for everyone.
There were so many people at the night market.
Common mistakes
Wrong: Your house is
too muchbeautiful!Right: Your house is so beautiful!
Wrong: I don't have
money enoughto buy a car.Right: I don't have enough money to buy a car.
Wrong: She is
enough oldto drive.Right: She is old enough to drive.
Wrong: There were so
muchpeople at the concert.Right: There were so many people at the concert.
Practice
1 of 16Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Adjectives and Adverbs (degree): too + adjective and adjective + enough are A2–B1; so/such … that and too/enough + to-infinitive are controlled at B1, with more complex patterns at B2. Written for Gloss.