at so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at so" is not correct and does not have a clear meaning in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may lead to confusion in communication. Example: "I was surprised at so many people attending the event."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You have to be at so many different places at so many different times".

The New York Times

"If I get thrown at, so be it.

The New York Times - Sports

He hated the university he was at, so he left.

Independent

One can only wonder At so grotesque a blunder.

The Guardian - Books

Now look at so many other professional athletes.

The New York Times

"We looked at so many other places," Mr. Mikulka said.

The New York Times

So much can go wrong at so many stages.

The Guardian - Opinion

But would Clinton have stood at so far a remove from that committee?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Look at so-and-so.

The Guardian

The proposed rules take aim at so-called interchange fees.

The New York Times

"I'm not as good at so-called 'strategic games' at all".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "at so" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "at such" or "at this".

Common error

Using "at so" can undermine the credibility of your writing in academic or professional settings. Always proofread to ensure correct usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at so" often functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, attempting to indicate a degree, extent, or manner. However, this usage is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig identifies it as needing correction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at so" appears across diverse sources, including news, media, and scientific publications, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended function is often to express degree, extent, or manner, but more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "at such" or "at this" are recommended. Its usage varies from formal to informal contexts, but it's best avoided in academic and professional writing to maintain clarity and credibility. There are several reliable alternatives to "at so" to express a similar meaning with a more appropriate structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at such

Replaces "so" with "such", providing a grammatically correct alternative with a similar meaning.

at this

Substitutes "so" with "this", offering a more direct and grammatically accepted construction.

to that extent

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal and precise expression of degree.

to that degree

Similar to "to that extent", it provides a formal way of indicating a particular level or measure.

in that manner

Offers a way to describe how something is done, replacing "at so" with a focus on method.

in that way

A more casual alternative to "in that manner", still focusing on the method or approach.

to that level

Highlights a specific level or threshold, offering a clear and grammatically correct substitute.

at that point

Shifts the focus to a specific moment or stage, rather than a degree or extent.

in such a way

Emphasizes the manner in which something is done, providing a more descriptive alternative.

in this manner

Similar to "in such a way" but using "this" to directly reference a previously mentioned method.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "at so" in a sentence?

Replace "at so" with phrases like "at such", "at this", or rephrase the sentence to use alternatives like "to that extent" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "at so" grammatically correct?

No, "at so" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives such as "at such" or "at this".

When is it appropriate to use "at so"?

While "at so" appears in some contexts, it's generally advisable to avoid it in formal writing and speech. More precise alternatives exist for conveying the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to "at so" for expressing degree or extent?

Consider using phrases like "to that degree", "to that extent", or rephrasing to use "so much" or "such a" with appropriate nouns.