So much, so many
So much and so many refer to the amount or the number of something:
• So much precedes uncountable nouns (so much water)
• So many precedes countable nouns (so many stars)
The object is introduced by that.
• So much precedes uncountable nouns (so much water)
• So many precedes countable nouns (so many stars)
The object is introduced by that.
I have so much work that I won't be able to sleep until Thursday. I have such a large quantity of work that I won't be able to sleep until Thursday.
Delavigne Corp has so many employees that it's difficult to keep track of them all. Delavigne Corp has such a large number of employees that it's difficult to keep track of them all.
So modifies adjectives and other adverbs. It can also be used with that (+ consequence).
It's so dark in here that I don't know whose leg I'm touching It's very dark in here and I don't know whose leg I am touching.
So much can also be used with comparative adjectives. In this context, it has a similar meaning to much, but adds extra emphasis.
My new car is so much quieter than my previous one! My new car is a lot quieter than my previous car, and I'm surprised about that.
Note: to make a negative comparison, we use the phrasing so much less:
I'm enjoying learning Spanish. It's so much less complicated than learning Chinese. Learning Spanish is a lot less complicated than learning Chinese.
Finally, so much can be used after a verb to indicate the degree of something:
-Why are you staring at me? -I just love you so much! I love you very much, which is why I am staring at you.
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