such and such: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, spoken
Quick answer
What does “such and such” mean?
Used to refer to an unspecified or generic thing, amount, time, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Used to refer to an unspecified or generic thing, amount, time, etc., when the exact details are not important, known, or stated.
A placeholder phrase for vague or hypothetical examples; also used to express mild disdain or dismissal about something considered ordinary or unspecified.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Slight preference in UK English for 'such and such a thing/person' structure. In US English, often used more freely as a noun substitute (e.g., 'go to such and such').
Connotations
Equally informal in both. In UK English, can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or quaint. In US English, very common in everyday hypotheticals.
Frequency
Moderately common in both varieties, with perhaps slightly higher frequency in US spoken English.
Grammar
How to Use “such and such” in a Sentence
DETERMINER + (a/an) + NOUN (e.g., such and such a place)STAND-ALONE NOUN PHRASE (e.g., He said such and such.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “such and such” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was promised such and such benefits.
- It happened on such and such a day.
American English
- They require such and such qualifications.
- We need to achieve such and such results.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally in meetings to refer to generic competitors, costs, or deadlines without naming them. ('If a competitor offers such and such a feature...')
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in lectures or informal discussion to present hypothetical scenarios. ('If the variable reaches such and such a value...')
Everyday
Very common in planning, storytelling, and vague references. ('We'll meet at such and such a pub.')
Technical
Generally avoided in precise documentation. Used in informal problem-solving talk. ('The error occurs when you input such and such.')
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “such and such”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Incorrect article placement: *'such and such place' instead of 'such and such a place'.
- Using it to refer to people's names without 'a person' (can sound disrespectful).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is decidedly informal. Avoid it in academic papers, legal documents, and formal reports.
Yes, but often with 'a person' or 'someone' to avoid sounding dismissive. E.g., 'such and such a person told me' is better than just 'such and such told me'.
Use 'a' or 'an' after the phrase when it modifies a singular countable noun. The pattern is 'such and such a [noun]' or 'such and such an [noun]'.
'Such and such' is for things, amounts, dates, etc. 'So-and-so' is primarily for people whose names you don't want to or can't say.
Used to refer to an unspecified or generic thing, amount, time, etc.
Such and such: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌtʃ ən ˈsʌtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌtʃ ən ˈsʌtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “...and such and such (for listing miscellaneous items)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a linguistic 'copy and paste' for any unspecified item. SUCH is repeated (and such) to show it's a placeholder for anything of that type.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A FILLABLE FORM (the phrase is a blank field to be populated with specifics).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'such and such' LEAST appropriate?