Chapter 5A - Such ... that and So ... that

Question 1

So and such,such…that,so…that,so much/little…that,and so many/few…that are commonly use to express extremes in exclamatory sentences

A. Such is followed by a noun (usually modified by an adjective)
- It has such a big cast that it’s one of TV’s most expensive shows to make.

B. So is followed by an adjective or adverb.
- The storylines are so gripping that you slip into another world !

C. So many and so few are followed by countable nous.
- There are so few good shows on television that I really watch it anymore.

D. So much and so little are followed by uncountable nouns.
- We all have so little free time that we can’t waste it.

Answer 1

In written English, so and such are most often followed by a that clause. However, in conversation, the that is frequently omitted and gives so or such emphatic stress.

• the host on that game show is so funny !
• the actress plays her role so convincingly !
• he writers of that new sitcom show such originality !
• that was such a great documentary !

So much, so little, so many, and so few can also be used without a that clause and for emphatic stress.

• there are so many reality TV shows these days!
• that quiz show gives away so much money!

In conversation , much and little can be used as adverbs following so.

• why do you watch so much ? Much=frequently
• that actor is featured so little that I sometimes forget he’s on he show. Little =infrequently

Much,little,many,and few can also serve as pronouns for nouns.

• TV can be bad for you health. I sometimes watch so much (TV) my eyes hurt.
• he needs to earn more money. He makes so little (money) he can’t afford his cable TV bill.
• I don’t watch soap operas anymore. I’ve seen so many (soap operas) that I’m tired of them.
• educational shows are good for children, but there are so few (educational shows) that I won’t let my kids watch TV.