What does such mean?
“Such” is a word used to identify a particular kind or quality of person, thing, action, or situation. Before a noun, it commonly means “of this kind”: “such advice,” or “such a difficult journey.” It can also carry an emphatic sense meaning “to this extent” or “to such a degree,” especially in formal or literary contexts. Used without a following noun, it refers generally to the kind previously mentioned: “Many such applications were rejected.” In the familiar construction “such as,” it introduces examples, while “as such” describes something in the role or category already identified. Although it often sounds formal, “such” remains standard in everyday British and American English. Its brevity makes it especially useful when repeating a descriptive noun would make a sentence cumbersome, and its emphatic uses can convey admiration, surprise, disapproval, or the degree of a quality without requiring a more detailed comparison.
Referring to a person, thing, quality, or situation of a particular kind.
"We need more practical solutions for such difficult problems."
Indicating the degree or extent of a quality, often emphatically.
"I had not heard such a convincing argument in years."
This emphatic use commonly occurs in the pattern “such a” before a singular noun and “such” before a plural noun or an uncountable noun.
Standing alone to refer generally to a person or thing of a previously specified kind.
"Several students were absent, and others declined to attend such."
The standalone use is more characteristic of formal or literary English than of casual conversation.
Used with “as” to introduce examples.
"Major cities such as London and Paris attract many international visitors."
The expression is normally written as two words: “such as.”
“Such” began life in Old English as a word meaning “of this kind,” making it a compact way to place an entire class of people or things in view.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does such come from?
“Such” comes from Old English swilc, meaning “of this kind” or “like this.” The word is related to Old English so and ultimately to a Germanic root associated with the demonstrative meaning “this.” Its modern form developed through sound changes and the influence of the earlier swa, “so.” English “such” has close cognates in other Germanic languages, including German solch and Dutch zo.
Related word forms
How such is actually used
In its ordinary defining use, “such” normally has a determiner such as “that,” “this,” “any,” or “no” before it: “such a person” or “such people.” The expression “such as” means “for example” or “like,” while “as such” means “in that capacity or for that reason.”
Easily confused with such
“Such” describes or refers to a particular kind of person, thing, or situation, whereas “so” primarily means “to that extent” or “in that manner.”