C1 ADVANCED · GRAMMAR · PART 4

So, such, too and however

So … that, such … that, too … for someone to, make it difficult for someone to, and however + adjective.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your grammar teacher
Finn says

These structures show a result or a limit. They're simple in theory, but Part 4 often hides them behind an adverb or a noun – so watch the word forms!

Results with so and such

so + adjective / adverb + that
change an adverb into an adjective after be
It rained heavily. → The rain was so heavy that …
such (a / an) + adjective + noun + that
with a noun
It was such a boring lecture that I fell asleep.
so much / many / little / few
+ noun + that
There was so little time that we took a taxi.
Formal: So + adjective + be + subject
inversion for emphasis
So strong was the wind that trees fell.

Limits with too and enough

too … for someone to
too + adjective + for + person + to-infinitive
The instructions were too complicated for me to follow.
(not) … enough (for someone) to
adjective + enough
The room wasn't big enough for all of us.
make it + adjective + for someone to
make it difficult / easy / impossible
The noise made it difficult for me to sleep.

However and no matter

However + adjective / adverb
+ subject + verb = it doesn't matter how
However hard he tried, he couldn't open it.
No matter how / what / where
+ subject + verb
No matter what you say, I won't change my mind.

How it comes up in Part 4

In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).

It was snowing heavily, so the school closed.
HEAVY
The snow was so heavy that the school closed.

Adverb → adjective: heavily → heavy. So + adjective + that.

The article was very difficult, so I couldn't understand it.
TOO
The article was too difficult for me to understand.

Too + adjective + for + person + to-infinitive – and no 'it' at the end.

It doesn't matter how fast you run – you won't catch the bus.
HOWEVER
However fast you run , you won't catch the bus.

However + adverb + subject + verb.

Common mistakes

  • ✗ It was so a good film that I saw it twice.✓ It was such a good film that I saw it twice.Use 'such' with a noun.
  • ✗ The rain was so heavily that the roads flooded.✓ The rain was so heavy that the roads flooded.After 'be', use an adjective.
  • ✗ It was too cold for us to go out it.✓ It was too cold for us to go out.Don't add an object at the end.
Finn the puffin, smiling kindly
Finn's exam tip

When the key word is an adjective like HEAVY or BORED, you probably need 'so … that'. Change adverbs into adjectives, and use 'such (a) …' with a noun.

Quick check

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.

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