“So…that” and “such…that” are common English constructions used to express the result of something. They are frequently used in both written and spoken English, and understanding how to use them correctly can be beneficial in the IELTS exam. For instance:
Speaking: “The food at that restaurant was so delicious that I went back the next day.”
- Analysis: Here, “so…that” emphasizes the extent of the deliciousness and directly links it to the speaker’s action of returning.
Writing Task 1: “The graph shows a sharp increase in sales in 2020, such that they reached an all-time high.”
- Analysis: “Such that” is employed to highlight the impact of the sharp sales increase, leading to a record-breaking figure.
Writing Task 2: “Some people believe that technology has made our lives so convenient that we have become overly reliant on it.”
- Analysis: This sentence uses “so…that” to present a cause-and-effect relationship between technological convenience and over-reliance.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the specific usage and differences between these two structures.
Understanding “So…That”
Meaning and Usage
“So…that” is used to show that something happens or is true as a result of something else. It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses.
Grammatical Structure
The typical structure is:
So + adjective/adverb + that + clause
Examples & Analysis:
- The coffee was so hot that I couldn’t drink it.
- Analysis: The adjective “hot” describes the coffee, and the “that” clause expresses the result of the coffee being extremely hot.
- He spoke so quickly that I couldn’t understand him.
- Analysis: The adverb “quickly” modifies the verb “spoke,” and the “that” clause explains the consequence of his fast speech.
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you can use “so…that” to:
- Describe trends: “The price of oil rose so rapidly in the first quarter that it impacted global markets.”
- Explain consequences: “The factory implemented new safety measures, so that accidents were significantly reduced.”
In IELTS Speaking, you can use “so…that” to:
- Express strong feelings: “The concert was so amazing that I lost my voice from singing along!”
- Describe personal experiences: “I was so nervous during my presentation that my hands were shaking.”
Understanding “Such…That”
Meaning and Usage
Similar to “so…that,” “such…that” also shows a result. However, “such…that” emphasizes the degree or intensity of something, leading to a particular outcome.
Grammatical Structure
The common structure is:
Such + (a/an) + adjective + noun + that + clause
Examples & Analysis:
- It was such a beautiful day that we decided to have a picnic.
- Analysis: Here, “such a beautiful day” emphasizes the exceptional quality of the weather, prompting the decision to have a picnic.
- She had such incredible talent that she won the competition easily.
- Analysis: The phrase “such incredible talent” underscores the degree of her talent, leading to her easy victory.
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you might use “such…that” to:
- Present strong arguments: “There is such overwhelming evidence of climate change that immediate action is imperative.”
- Emphasize impact: “The invention of the internet had such a profound impact on communication that it transformed our world.”
While less common in informal spoken English, “such…that” can be used in IELTS Speaking to:
- Describe something remarkable: “The view from the mountain was such a breathtaking sight that I couldn’t stop taking pictures.”
- Highlight a significant achievement: “He dedicated himself to his research with such unwavering commitment that he made a groundbreaking discovery.”
Distinguishing Between “So…That” and “Such…That”
The key difference lies in the grammatical structures:
- So + adjective/adverb + that…
- Such + (a/an) + adjective + noun + that…
Choosing the Right Structure
- Use “so…that” when you want to emphasize the result of something being very adjective or happening very adverb.
- Use “such…that” when you want to emphasize the extreme nature of the noun itself.
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So that & Such that Structure
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect word order: Ensure the correct placement of “so” and “such” within their respective structures.
- Omitting articles: Remember to include “a” or “an” after “such” when applicable.
- Overusing the structures: While useful, use “so…that” and “such…that” judiciously to maintain natural flow in your writing and speaking.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “so…that” and “such…that” can enhance your ability to express cause-and-effect relationships and emphasize intensity in your IELTS writing and speaking. Practice using these structures correctly, paying attention to their grammatical form and appropriate contexts. By incorporating these structures effectively, you can add variety and sophistication to your language, potentially boosting your band score.