so intense that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so intense that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is extremely strong or powerful, leading to a specific outcome or effect. Example: "The storm was so intense that it caused widespread flooding in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was so intense that I had to go home.

The New Yorker

"It is so intense that our predictions cannot keep pace".

The New York Times

"You can't be so intense that you can't perform.

The New York Times - Sports

The stressors can become so intense that resilience is overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

Well, he's approached by Regis, but Regis is so intense that it seems like an attack.

The New Yorker

Umenyiora, usually reserved even around his teammates, grew so intense that he was screaming.

The New York Times - Sports

The rivalry was so intense that Brumel could not stand to watch Thomas jump.

The New York Times - Sports

"Its heat was so intense that everything around it instantly exploded".

The New York Times - Science

The fire became so intense that the copters had to be waved off.

The New Yorker

They had become enemies in a rivalry so intense that they rarely spoke to each other.

The New York Times - Sports

The pain was so intense that Anthony tossed aside his headband, because it felt too tight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so intense that" to clearly demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship where the intensity of one factor leads to a specific, often dramatic, result. For example, "The competition was "so intense that" several athletes withdrew due to exhaustion."

Common error

Avoid using "so intense that" for minor situations where the outcome isn't particularly significant. Opt for simpler phrasing like "very" or "extremely" when the situation doesn't warrant the emphasis on intensity. Saying "The traffic was "so intense that" I was five minutes late" sounds hyperbolic; instead, say "The traffic was heavy and I was five minutes late."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so intense that" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding clause describing a high degree of intensity to a subsequent clause indicating the result or consequence of that intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so intense that" is a common and grammatically correct causal connector used to emphasize the significant impact of a highly intense condition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight cause-and-effect relationships with a neutral tone. To avoid overuse, consider alternative phrases like "to such a degree that" or "so extreme that", especially in less dramatic situations. Using "so intense that" effectively enhances your writing by clearly linking intensity to tangible consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so extreme that

Emphasizes the extremity of the initial condition, conveying a sense of severity.

so severe that

Highlights the seriousness or gravity of the initial situation.

so powerful that

Highlights the strength or force of the cause, leading to a significant effect.

to such a degree that

Replaces "so intense" with a more formal phrasing, focusing on the degree or extent of something.

so overwhelming that

Emphasizes the overpowering nature of the initial condition.

such that

A more concise and formal way of expressing the causal relationship.

so profound that

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the initial condition.

so consuming that

Focuses on how something completely absorbs or dominates attention or resources.

so striking that

Highlights how noticeable or remarkable the preceding condition is.

to the point where

Focuses on the outcome or limit reached due to the intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "so intense that" in a sentence?

Use "so intense that" to show a direct consequence of a strong feeling, situation, or phenomenon. For example, "The pressure was "so intense that" I almost quit."

What are some alternatives to "so intense that"?

You can use alternatives like "to such a degree that", "so extreme that", or "such that" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "too intense that" instead of "so intense that"?

No, "too intense that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "so intense that", which indicates a consequence resulting from the intensity. "Too intense" is typically followed by "to" + verb, such as "too intense to handle".

What's the difference between "so intense that" and "very intense"?

"Very intense" simply describes the degree of intensity. "So intense that" goes further by indicating a consequence or result of that intensity. For example, "The heat was very intense" describes the heat, while "The heat was "so intense that" we had to seek shelter" explains the outcome of the intense heat.