Learn English – If the rule is “such (a) + adj. + noun”, why is “such fun” correct

grammargrammaticality

According to my Cambridge Grammar of English, 'such (a)' is used in noun phrases with attributive adjectives.

She's such a quiet girl. (such a + adjective + singular countable noun)

They're such nice kids. (such + adjective + plural countable noun)

She always uses such fresh food. (such + adjective + uncountable noun)

And indeed, those are the rules as explained in the manual I use: such (a) + adj. + noun. But then, out of nowhere there's this exercise that requires the answer:

It was such fun for all of us to be together.

There is no adjective, and unfortunately no explanations either. So why is that structure acceptable? Or is it just a 'freak exception'?

Best Answer

This usage of such as an intensifier is both an adjective and adverb:

adj. 2b. Of so extreme a degree or quality: never dreamed of such wealth.

adv. 1. To so extreme a degree, so: such beautiful flowers; such a funny character.

As such, it can modify either a noun (“such fun”) or an adjective (“such nice kids”).

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