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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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if then so

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"if then so" is not a correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use the phrase "if...then" to show a logical relationship between two ideas. For example, "If I have free time, then I'll visit the park."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If, then, so that is bounded on.

Moreover, if, then, so we have.

But if then So which is impossible.

If, then, so is a multiple of.

If, then ; so that,,, and since from ;, then ;.

If then so that is a multiple of From (2.40), we derive (2.41).

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The arrow "→" roughly corresponds to "ifthen … ", so can be read "if θ then ψ" or "θ only if ψ".

Science

SEP

If, then and so.

So if, then.

So, if, then is nonexpansive.

If, then implies, and so (3.2).

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the standard "if...then" construction for clear conditional statements. Avoid adding "so" as it is redundant and grammatically incorrect in most contexts. For example, instead of "If it rains then so we stay inside", write "If it rains, then we stay inside."

Common error

Avoid using "so" after "if...then" as it creates redundancy. The "then" already indicates the consequence, making "so" unnecessary and grammatically awkward. Instead of "If you study, then so you will pass", write "If you study, then you will pass".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if then so" attempts to create a conditional statement, indicating a relationship between a condition and a consequence. However, it is grammatically incorrect in standard English due to the redundant use of "so". Ludwig AI confirms this assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if then so" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to the redundancy of "so" after "then" in conditional statements. While it may occasionally appear in informal contexts, standard English dictates using simply "if...then" for clear and grammatically sound communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best to avoid this construction in formal writing and speech. Instead, consider using alternatives like "if...then", "consequently", or "therefore" to express conditionality and logical consequence more effectively.

FAQs

How do I correctly use a conditional statement?

Use the structure "if [condition], then [result]". For example, "If it snows, then school will be canceled". Avoid adding extra words like "so".

What can I say instead of "if then so"?

The correct construction is "if...then". You can also use alternatives like "given that...therefore" or "assuming...then" for a more formal tone.

Why is "if then so" considered grammatically incorrect?

The word "then" already indicates a consequence or result, so adding "so" is redundant. The standard and grammatically correct form is simply "if...then".

Is there any context where "if then so" might be acceptable?

While generally incorrect in formal writing, "if then so" may occasionally appear in informal speech or certain technical contexts (e.g., mathematics or programming) where brevity is prioritized. However, it's best to avoid it in formal writing.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: