so

Meanings

1. 1conjunction

   Used to introduce a result or consequence that follows logically from what was just said.

   Grammar: Joins two clauses; the second clause is the result of the first.

   Patterns

   • so + clause

   It was raining, so we stayed inside.

   She was tired, so she went to bed early.

   The store was closed, so we went home.

2. 2adverb

   To such a great extent or degree; used to emphasize an adjective or adverb.

   Grammar: Comes before an adjective or adverb: so tired, so quickly.

   Patterns

   • so + adjective
   • so + adverb

   The movie was so long that we left early.

   She ran so fast that no one could catch her.

   I was so happy to see you.

3. 3adverb

   Used to mean 'also' or 'in the same way' after a positive statement.

   Grammar: Follows the subject-verb order: so + auxiliary + subject.

   Patterns

   • so + auxiliary verb + subject

   I like coffee, and so does she.

   He can swim, and so can his brother.

   She has been to Paris, and so have I.

4. 4adverb

   Used to refer back to something just mentioned, meaning 'that' or 'the same'.

   Grammar: Often in phrases like 'I think so' or 'I hope so'.

   Patterns

   • I think so
   • I hope so

   "Is it going to rain?" "I think so."

   She said she would come, but I don't believe so.

   Are you ready? I hope so.

Common combinations

so that

I turned off the light so that we could sleep.

so far

So far, we have raised $500.

so much

Thank you so much for your help.

so many

There were so many people at the party.

so on

We discussed books, movies, and so on.

Synonyms and how they differ

therefore

More formal and often used in writing; 'so' is more common in speech.

thus

Very formal; 'so' is simpler and more conversational.

hence

Formal and slightly old-fashioned; 'so' is the everyday choice.

Commonly confused: so or such?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “so”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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