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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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so at

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so at" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may appear in informal contexts or as part of a larger phrase, but it lacks clarity on its own. Example: "I was so at a loss for words during the presentation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So at 6 a.m.

News & Media

The New York Times

Not so at Claremont.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Not so at Locke.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Let's hope so, at least".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Not so at the Oliviers.

News & Media

The New York Times

Not so at my house.

I hope so, at least.

News & Media

Independent

Not so at St . Patricks.

News & Media

The New York Times

So at least there's that.

News & Media

The New York Times

So, at most, does aquavit.

News & Media

The New Yorker

So at least they're trying.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "so at" in formal writing. It is not a standard construction and can sound awkward or unclear to native English speakers. Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "so at" as a causal connector when a more explicit phrase like "therefore", "thus", or "as a result" would provide clarity and grammatical correctness. Ensure the relationship between cause and effect is clearly articulated to avoid confusing readers.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so at" doesn't have a distinct grammatical function as a standalone unit in standard English. It sometimes appears as part of a longer, less conventional phrase. As Ludwig AI explains, it lacks clarity on its own and is better replaced with other connectors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so at" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English and is generally discouraged in formal writing. Ludwig AI highlights that it lacks clarity as a standalone phrase and is better replaced by more appropriate connectors such as "therefore" or "thus". Its primary (though incorrect) communicative purpose seems to be indicating consequence, a point in time, or contrast. While it occasionally appears in news and media, its use is mostly limited to informal contexts. Therefore, it's recommended to opt for clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives to ensure effective communication.

FAQs

Is "so at" grammatically correct?

No, "so at" is not generally considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's advisable to use more common and accepted alternatives such as "therefore", "thus", or "as a result".

How can I rewrite a sentence containing "so at" to improve its clarity?

Replace "so at" with a clearer connector like "therefore", "thus", or "as a result" to establish a more explicit causal relationship.

What are some alternatives to "so at" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's best to avoid "so at" and opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "consequently", "accordingly", or "for this reason".

When is it acceptable to use the phrase "so at"?

While not standard, "so at" might appear in informal speech or writing. However, it's crucial to consider your audience and the context to ensure clarity. In most formal situations, it's best to use more grammatically accepted alternatives.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: