be so

USAGE SUMMARY

"be so" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state or condition, or to give emphasis or clarification to a statement. Example: "I have never seen a dog be so well-trained before." (describing a state or condition) "She was so excited to see her family that she could hardly contain herself." (giving emphasis).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be so.

The New York Times

It needn't be so.

The New Yorker

It should be so.

The New York Times

Don't be so impatient.

The New York Times

Don't be so outraged.

Independent

Could this be so?

The Economist

I'd be so embarrassed".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'd be so skinny.

Independent

Let it be so.

The New Yorker

"You'll be so rich".

The New Yorker

He'll be so happy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be so" to express agreement or acceptance of a statement, often with a hint of resignation or acknowledgement of a situation. For example, "If that's what she wants, let it "be so".

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "be so" in formal contexts, as it can sometimes sound colloquial or overly passive. Opt for more direct and assertive phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be so" is as a copular verb phrase combined with an adverb. It serves to affirm or accept a previously stated condition or assertion. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various sentence structures to indicate agreement or resignation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

13%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be so" functions primarily to express agreement, acceptance, or a sense of resignation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its versatility across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science and Wiki. Although prevalent, using "be so" requires a careful consideration of tone, as it might be perceived as slightly informal in certain formal settings. Therefore, consider alternative phrases based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may be

Expresses a degree of uncertainty or concession about a statement's validity.

be the case

Offers a more formal alternative to indicate that something is true or factual.

be like that

Replaces "so" with "like that" to imply a similar state or condition, focusing on the manner or way something is.

hold true

Suggests that something remains accurate or applicable over time.

be true

Focuses specifically on the veracity or truthfulness of a statement.

that is how it is

Indicates acceptance of a situation without necessarily implying agreement or approval.

be valid

Emphasizes the legitimacy or soundness of something, often in an argument or discussion.

turn out that way

Focuses on the eventual outcome or result matching a previous statement or expectation.

that could happen

Suggests a possibility, rather than a definite affirmation, that something might occur in a particular way.

be that as it may

Acknowledges a point but suggests it does not change the overall situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be so" in a sentence?

You can use "be so" to express agreement, acceptance, or resignation towards a situation. For example, "If that's how it has to "be", then let it "be so"."

What are some alternatives to using "be so"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "that may be", "be the case", or simply "be true" as alternatives to "be so".

Is it grammatically correct to use "be so" in a formal context?

While grammatically correct, using "be so" in formal contexts may sound slightly informal. Consider the tone of your writing and opt for alternatives if a more formal tone is desired.

What does "be so" imply in a conversation?

In a conversation, "be so" often implies acceptance of a situation, sometimes with a hint of resignation. It acknowledges the validity of a statement or circumstance without necessarily expressing enthusiasm.