Inversion with so and such

Use formal inversion after fronted so plus adjective and such plus be to intensify a quality or degree.

When do we use it?

Construct literary and formal so or such inversion without confusing result clauses.

Form

Use So + adjective + auxiliary + subject or Such + be + noun phrase.

• So compelling was the evidence that they agreed.
• Such was the demand that stocks ran out.

Key contrast

At C2, grammar is a resource for controlling perspective, density, rhythm and register, not merely avoiding error.

Common mistakes

• So compelling the evidence was. → So compelling was the evidence.
• Such the demand was that... → Such was the demand that...

Remember

Use formal inversion after fronted so plus adjective and such plus be to intensify a quality or degree.

Quick check

• Identify the information focus and logical relationship.
• Check auxiliary order, reference and complement pattern.
• Choose the option that is idiomatic in the intended register.