so

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show a connection between two ideas (similar to "therefore" or "thus") or to show a consequence of an action, feeling, or belief. Example: I stayed up late last night studying, so I'm feeling quite tired today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so it is.

The New York Times

And so they were.

The New York Times

And so it proved.

The New York Times

Quite so.

The New York Times

So it proved.

The New York Times - Sports

And so on.

The New York Times

And so forth.

The New York Times

That may be so.

The New York Times

Why so?

The New York Times - Arts

And so it does.

The New York Times - Arts

That is not so.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so" to create smooth transitions between related ideas, but avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "so" unnecessarily; this can make your writing sound informal and less impactful. Instead, consider more precise conjunctions or rephrasing the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "so" is as a conjunction, connecting clauses and indicating consequence or purpose. As Ludwig points out, it can also function as an adverb modifying adjectives or adverbs, or as a pronoun/adjective referring to a previous statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "so" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a conjunction, but also capable of acting as an adverb or pronoun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s generally grammatically correct, though overuse, particularly as a sentence starter, can reduce formality. Its most frequent context is in News & Media, where it helps connect ideas. Alternatives such as "therefore" or "thus" can be used in more formal settings. In summary, "so" is a common and acceptable word, but mindful usage will maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore

Indicates a direct consequence or logical conclusion, providing a more formal alternative.

consequently

Similar to "therefore" but emphasizes the result or effect of a previous action or statement.

thus

Presents a formal way of expressing a result or conclusion, implying a logical connection.

accordingly

Suggests that something is done in a way that is suitable or appropriate to what has happened before.

hence

A more formal way to indicate a logical consequence or inference.

for that reason

Clearly states the cause-and-effect relationship, making the reasoning explicit.

as a result

Highlights the outcome or effect of a preceding event or action.

in order that

Emphasizes the purpose or intention behind an action, often used in more formal contexts.

because of that

States the direct cause influencing a situation or action, providing a clear explanation.

that being the case

Introduces a statement or action that logically follows from the previously mentioned circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "so" in a sentence?

"So" can be used as a conjunction to show cause and effect, as an adverb to indicate degree, or as a pronoun/adjective to refer back to something previously mentioned. For example: "I was tired, "so" I went to bed early." "It was "so" hot outside!" "If you think "so", tell me why."

What can I say instead of "so" (therefore)?

Alternatives to "so" indicating consequence include "therefore", "consequently", "thus", "accordingly", and "hence". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "so" and "such"?

"So" typically modifies adjectives or adverbs to indicate degree (e.g., "so beautiful"), while "such" modifies nouns or noun phrases (e.g., "such a beautiful day").

Is it okay to start a sentence with "so"?

While starting a sentence with "so" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound informal or conversational. In formal writing, consider using alternative conjunctions or restructuring the sentence.