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TOEIC Link Part 5: so…that, such…that, too…to, and enough — Result and Degree Constructions

Part 5 tests four closely related degree patterns — so + adjective + that, such + noun phrase + that, too + adjective + to, and adjective + enough + to. The traps are picking so where such belongs (and vice versa), and confusing the that-result clause with the to-infinitive. Learn the structural difference that decides every one of these questions.

EnglishBlitz Team·

TOEIC Link Part 5: so…that, such…that, too…to, and enough — Result and Degree Constructions

A tight cluster of TOEIC Link Part 5 questions tests four patterns that all express degree leading to a result: so…that, such…that, too…to, and …enough…to. They look interchangeable, but each demands a specific structure, and the test punishes you for picking so where such belongs or for using a that-clause where an infinitive is required. The deciding factor is always grammatical — what word follows the intensifier — not meaning. This guide gives you the rule for each pattern and the one structural test that resolves the whole family.

Pattern 1: so + adjective/adverb + that

So modifies an adjective or adverb (not a noun) and is followed by a that-clause stating the result:

The report was so detailed that the committee approved it immediately. She spoke so quickly that no one could follow.

Structure: so + [adjective/adverb] + that + [clause]. The word right after so is a bare adjective or adverb — never a noun phrase.

Pattern 2: such + (a/an) + adjective + noun + that

Such modifies a noun phrase and is also followed by a that-clause:

It was such a detailed report that the committee approved it immediately. They are such reliable suppliers that we never check the shipments.

Structure: such + (a/an) + [adjective] + [noun] + that + [clause]. The presence of a noun after the intensifier is what forces such instead of so.

The so vs. such decision

This is the single most common trap in the cluster. Look at what follows the blank:

  • followed by an adjective alone (or adverb) → so
  • followed by a noun phrase (with or without an adjective) → such

The training was ___ effective that productivity doubled. → so (effective is an adjective) It was ___ an effective training that productivity doubled. → such (an effective training is a noun phrase)

Quantity expressions follow the same logic: so much, so many, so few, so little pair with quantities, while such stays with the noun phrase. For the comparison of degree more broadly, see comparatives and superlatives.

Pattern 3: too + adjective/adverb + to-infinitive

Too means "more than is acceptable" — a negative excess — and is followed by a to-infinitive, not a that-clause:

The box was too heavy to lift. (= so heavy that it could not be lifted) The deadline is too tight to meet without overtime.

Structure: too + [adjective/adverb] + to + [base verb]. Critically, too carries a built-in negative: too heavy to lift means it cannot be lifted. Don't add another negative.

Pattern 4: adjective/adverb + enough + to-infinitive

Enough means "sufficient" and — this is the trap — comes after the adjective it modifies, then takes a to-infinitive:

The room is large enough to hold forty people. (not enough large) She was experienced enough to lead the project.

Structure: [adjective] + enough + to + [base verb]. With a noun, enough comes before the noun (enough chairs), but with an adjective it comes after (warm enough). Word order is the whole question here.

The structural test that resolves every question

For all four patterns, ask two questions in order:

  1. What follows the intensifier — an adjective/adverb or a noun phrase?
    • Noun phrase → such (with that-clause).
    • Adjective/adverb alone → so, too, or enough — go to step 2.
  2. What follows the adjective — a that-clause or a to-infinitive?
    • that + full clause → so.
    • to + base verb, meaning excess → too (before the adjective).
    • to + base verb, meaning sufficiency → enough (after the adjective).

This mechanical check beats translating the sentence, because the four patterns can express nearly identical meaning — only the structure differs.

Worked examples

The presentation was ___ convincing that the client signed on the spot. (A) such (B) too (C) so (D) enough — (C) so: convincing is an adjective + that-clause.

The instructions were ___ complicated to follow without help. (A) so (B) too (C) such (D) enough — (B) too: adjective + to-infinitive, meaning excess.

The candidate was qualified ___ to be promoted ahead of schedule. (A) too (B) so (C) enough (D) such — (C) enough: enough follows the adjective + to-infinitive.

It was ___ a productive meeting that we finished an hour early. (A) so (B) too (C) such (D) enough — (C) such: a productive meeting is a noun phrase + that-clause.

Common pitfalls

  • enough before the adjective (enough warm) — always wrong; it goes after (warm enough).
  • double negative with too — too heavy to not lift over-negates; too heavy to lift already means cannot.
  • so + noun phrase — so a good report is wrong; use such a good report.
  • mismatched follower — so…to and such…to are both wrong; so and such pair with that, while too and enough pair with to.

These patterns rely on keeping each intensifier with its required structure — a discipline that also underlies parallel structure elsewhere in Part 5.

Bottom line

Four patterns, one decision tree: noun phrase → such…that; adjective + that → so…that; adjective + to (excess) → too…to; adjective + to (sufficiency) → …enough to. Watch the word order on enough (after the adjective) and the built-in negative on too, and this cluster becomes free points.