never so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never so" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something has never been to such an extent or degree before. Example: "I have never so deeply appreciated the beauty of nature until this moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now or never, so start now.

WikiHow

"I never, so.

Independent

It was never so intended".

Independent

I was never so humiliated.

The New York Times

Minimalism was never  so warm.

Independent

Never so at Wimbledon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's never so hard".

The New Yorker

Never so literally.

The Guardian - Sport

Never so hard.

The New Yorker

The best anthems are never so sappy.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately, guns, by design, are never so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never so" to add emphasis when you want to highlight a contrast between a past state and the current one. It's especially effective in formal writing to convey a sense of historical change or unprecedented occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "never so" in very informal conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Choose simpler alternatives like "not as much" or "less than before" for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never so" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the degree to which something is true or has occurred. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate that the described state or action has never been to such an extent before. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "never so" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something has never occurred to such a degree before. While Ludwig confirms it is usable in written English, it's more appropriate for formal or neutral contexts like news articles, literary works, and professional communications, rather than casual conversations. It's a useful way to highlight a change or the unprecedented nature of a situation. Alternatives include "not as much as before" and "more than ever before", as these are closer in meaning and offer better alternatives. The phrase appears most often in "News & Media" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than ever before

This phrase highlights that the current degree surpasses any previous instance.

not nearly as much as now

This alternative uses 'nearly as much' to emphasize the current increase.

not to this degree previously

This alternative emphasizes that the level or intensity is unprecedented.

to a smaller degree than today

This variant compares the current degree to a lesser one in the past.

less intensely than it is now

This phrase underscores the elevated intensity compared to the past.

not as much as before

This alternative uses a comparative structure to highlight a change in degree.

not this significantly in the past

This option focuses on the historical lack of such a significant occurrence.

to a lesser extent than ever

This phrase uses 'lesser extent' to indicate a reduction from a previous state.

not as acutely as presently

This alternative emphasizes that the intensity now is higher, especially related to sensitivity or sharpness of something.

unprecedentedly

This single word conveys the idea of something being unmatched in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "never so" in a sentence?

Use "never so" to emphasize that something is happening to a greater extent than it ever has before. For example: "The need for international cooperation was "never so great"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "never so"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not as much as before", "more than ever before", or "to a lesser extent than ever", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "never so" formal or informal?

"Never so" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. In formal writing or speech, it can add emphasis and a touch of sophistication.

Is it correct to say "not so" instead of "never so"?

"Not so" indicates disagreement or contradiction, whereas "never so" emphasizes a degree or extent. The phrases are not interchangeable; their meanings are distinct.