if you so want

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if you so want" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that the person has a strong desire or inclination towards something. Example: "I can arrange for us to go skydiving this weekend, if you so want."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You can lie under the piano, if you so want".

The New Yorker

Keep marriage, if you so want, but it shouldn't hamper or restrict others from benefits or equal treatment, especially when there appears so little reason for having it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can laminate if you want so your club card so it doesn't get wet.

WikiHow

Write it down if you want so you don't forget it, and then click "Finish".

WikiHow

Dye them if you want so you have different colors of them.

WikiHow

It is totally fine if you want so use your sink bathtub and/or pool.

WikiHow

Add a small chair if you want so your bear could get comfortable.

WikiHow

Every school allows you to wear lip-balm, so, if you want, do so.

WikiHow

If so, you want to learn about electromagnetic sensors.

Stanford University

If you want it so bad, you can have it.

The New York Times

"If you want it so bad".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "If you so want" can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned, so make sure it fits the overall style.

Common error

Avoid using "if you so want" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "if you want" or "if you like" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you so want" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It introduces a condition upon which the main clause depends. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if you so want" is a grammatically correct phrase used to offer a polite suggestion or choice, as supported by Ludwig AI. While it appears in varied contexts like news and wikis, its frequency is relatively low, indicating a somewhat formal or less common usage. Consider its slightly formal register and contextual appropriateness when choosing this phrase. Alternatives such as "if you so desire" or a simpler "if you want" may be suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you so desire

Replaces "want" with a more formal synonym, "desire".

if you so wish

Substitutes "want" with "wish", implying a gentler inclination.

if you so choose

Replaces "want" with "choose", focusing on the act of selection.

if you really want

Adds emphasis to the desire, highlighting its intensity.

if you absolutely want

Further emphasizes the desire as being absolute.

if you like

Offers a simpler, more casual way of expressing the option.

if that's what you want

Provides a more explicit restatement of the person's desire.

should you want to

Inverts the sentence structure for a more formal tone.

if it is your wish

Introduces a slightly more poetic or old-fashioned tone.

if you feel inclined

Replaces "want" with a focus on feeling an inclination to do something.

FAQs

What does "if you so want" mean?

The phrase "if you so want" means "if you strongly desire or wish to do something". It offers someone a choice or option, implying that their desire is important.

How can I use "if you so want" in a sentence?

You can use "if you so want" to offer a suggestion or choice. For example, "You can lie under the piano, "if you so want"."

What are some alternatives to "if you so want"?

Alternatives include "if you so desire", "if you so wish", or "if you really want", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "if you so want" formal or informal?

The phrase "if you so want" leans towards being slightly formal. In many casual contexts, simpler phrases like "if you want" or "if you like" might be more appropriate.