So vs. Such – English Grammar Exercises for B2
Read this tech blogger’s review of a new, highly expensive premium noise-canceling headphone. Choose the best option (A, B, C, or D) to complete each sentence. Pay close attention to the grammatical rules for using “so” and “such” to emphasize the extreme quality and price of the product.
1 “When I first saw the price tag of $800, I thought it was ______ expensive that no one in their right mind would buy it.”
(A) such
(B) so
(C) such an
(D) so much
2 “However, after testing them for a week, I realized they offer ______ incredible sound quality that the price is actually justified.”
(A) such an
(B) so
(C) such
(D) so much
3 “The Active Noise Cancellation technology is ______ effective; it completely blocked out the roaring engine of an airplane.”
(A) such
(B) such an
(C) so
(D) so much
4 “Even though it requires a massive financial investment, it provides ______ immersive experience that audiophiles will love it.”
(A) such an
(B) so
(C) such
(D) so an
5 “Many people complain about the cost, but there are ______ few alternatives on the market that deliver this level of clarity.”
(A) such
(B) so
(C) such a
(D) so a
6 “The battery life is practically endless. It is ______ relief to travel without constantly searching for a charging port.”
(A) so
(B) such
(C) such a
(D) so a
7 “I have never worn ______ comfortable ear pads in my entire life of reviewing tech gear.”
(A) such
(B) so
(C) such a
(D) so much
8 “The materials used for the headband are ______ premium that they feel like they were crafted for luxury sports cars.”
(A) such
(B) such a
(C) so
(D) so much
9 “To be perfectly honest, it is ______ high price to pay, but the long-term durability makes it a solid investment.”
(A) such a
(B) so
(C) such
(D) so a
10 “If you are hesitating, remember this: they are ______ good that you will never want to use standard earbuds ever again.”
(A) such
(B) such a
(C) so
(D) so much
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) so
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “So” is used directly before an adjective (“expensive”) when there is no noun immediately following it. The structure is so + adjective + that.
- Error Analysis: (A) such and (C) such an are Structural Errors because “such” must precede a noun phrase (e.g., such an expensive price). (D) so much is a Meaning Trap; we use “so much” before uncountable nouns or comparatives, not a simple adjective like “expensive.”
2 (C) such
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Such” must be used before an adjective + noun phrase. Here, “sound quality” is an uncountable noun phrase, so we use “such” without an article. (Structure: such + adjective + uncountable noun).
- Error Analysis: (A) such an is the Common Mistake, improperly adding an article to the uncountable noun “quality”. (B) so is a Structural Error (you cannot say so incredible sound quality). (D) so much is grammatically incorrect here.
3 (C) so
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): Similar to Question 1, “effective” is an adjective standing alone. Therefore, we use “so” (so effective).
- Error Analysis: (A) such and (B) such an are Structural Errors because there is no noun following the adjective “effective”. (D) so much is incorrect before a simple adjective.
4 (A) such an
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Experience” is a singular countable noun. Therefore, we must use “such + a/an + adjective + noun”. Because “immersive” starts with a vowel sound, “such an” is the correct choice.
- Error Analysis: (B) so is a Structural Error (cannot precede an adjective + noun). (C) such is the Common Mistake (missing the required article ‘an’ for a singular countable noun). (D) so an is a severe grammatical error.
5 (B) so
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): This is a specific grammar rule: We always use “so” before the quantifiers many, much, few, and little. (so few alternatives).
- Error Analysis: (A) such is the Common Mistake; learners assume that because “alternatives” is a noun, they must use “such.” However, the quantifier “few” forces the use of “so.” (C) such a is a Structural Error (plural noun). (D) so a is incorrect.
6 (C) such a
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Relief” in this context is treated as a singular countable noun (a feeling of relief). Even though there is no adjective, we use such a + noun for emphasis.
- Error Analysis: (A) so is a Structural Error (cannot precede a noun phrase). (B) such is the Common Mistake (missing the article ‘a’). (D) so a is grammatically invalid.
7 (A) such
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Ear pads” is a plural noun phrase. The structure is such + adjective + plural noun. We do not use articles (a/an) with plural nouns.
- Error Analysis: (B) so is a Structural Error (cannot precede an adjective + noun). (C) such a is the Common Mistake (incorrectly applying a singular article to a plural noun). (D) so much is incorrect.
8 (C) so
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Premium” acts as an adjective here, standing alone without a noun following it. Therefore, “so premium” is correct.
- Error Analysis: (A) such and (B) such a are Structural Errors because there is no noun phrase. (D) so much is incorrect before a simple adjective.
9 (A) such a
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Price” is a singular countable noun. The required structure is such + a/an + adjective + noun.
- Error Analysis: (B) so is a Structural Error. (C) such is the Common Mistake (missing the article ‘a’). (D) so a is incorrect; the rule “so + adjective + a/an + noun” (e.g., so high a price) is formally correct but extremely rare/archaic, making “such a” the standard, natural choice.
10 (C) so
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Good” is an adjective standing alone. The structure is so + adjective + that clause.
- Error Analysis: (A) such and (B) such a are Structural Errors because there is no noun following “good”. (D) so much is incorrect before a simple adjective.
GRAMMAR POINTS TO REMEMBER
To master emphasizing qualities or situations at the B2/C1 level, remember these strict structural rules:
1 The Rule for “SO”
- Use SO directly before an Adjective or Adverb (with no noun attached).
- Example: “The price is so high.” / “It works so well.”
- Exception: Always use SO before the quantifiers many, much, few, little. (e.g., so many features, so few flaws).
2 The Rule for “SUCH”
- Use SUCH when there is a Noun involved (even if an adjective comes before it).
- Singular Countable Nouns: Such a/an + adjective + noun.
- Example: “It is such a brilliant device.”
- Plural & Uncountable Nouns: Such + adjective + noun. (No article!)
- Example: “They have such amazing features.” (Plural)
- Example: “It provides such incredible audio.” (Uncountable)