These words are normally placed before the indefinite article.
So, such and what
So, such and what are often used to express surprise or other emotions.
We often use 'so' , 'such' and 'what' to mean 'very' or 'really'. It makes the sentence stronger and shows that there is a high level of something.
We use 'so' before an adjective or adverb (without a noun).
- She was so beautiful (= she was very beautiful).
- He ran so quickly (= he ran very quickly).
- The food was so delicious (= the food was really delicious).
- The children spoke French so well (= the children spoke French very well).
We use 'such' and 'what' before a noun or an adjective + a noun.
Examples
- What a lovely day!
- She's such a lovely woman!
- What an incredible film!
- He's such a fantastic guitarist!
When we use 'such' directly with a noun, it's often a noun that shows our opinion.
- He's such a genius! (= he's a real genius / he's very clever).
- You're such a teacher! (= you act in a typical way for a teacher).
Rather and quite
Rather and quite are 'commenting' words, referring to the degree of a particular quality.
They can express disappointment, pleasure, or other emotions, and are used before a/an + adjective + noun:
Examples
- It's rather a small car. (= I'm a bit disappointed because it's small)
- It was quite a nice day.(= I was agreeably surprised.)
- He's had quite a bad accident. (= I'm worried)
- I've just met rather a nice man. (= I'm pleased)