so it was

USAGE SUMMARY

"so it was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has already been stated previously, and can be used in the same way that "therefore" or "thus" would be used. For example, "The experiment was a success, so it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or so it was.

Independent

Yet so it was.

The Guardian

So, it was over.

The New York Times

Or so it was said.

The Economist

Or so it was thought.

The New York Times - Sports

Or so it was believed.

The New York Times

So, it was true.

SEP

So, it was acceptable.

International Journal Of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

So it was useless.

The New York Times

"So it was tough.

The New York Times - Sports

"So it was good".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so it was" to clearly indicate a direct consequence or a final resolution to a situation previously described. This phrase provides a sense of closure and agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "so it was" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or theatrical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's how it was" or "so that happened" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so it was" functions as a conjunction, linking a preceding statement or situation to its consequence or resolution. Ludwig AI suggests it is a correct and usable phrase, indicating that something has already been stated previously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so it was" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to indicate a direct consequence, resolution, or acceptance of a prior situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable. While it appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. It is recommended to use this phrase to provide a sense of closure and agreement in your writing, but avoid overuse in overly casual scenarios. Remember to consider alternative phrasings, such as "and so it happened" or "therefore it happened", to maintain variety in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and so it happened

Highlights the sequence of events, focusing on the outcome.

it was thus

Shortens the phrase while retaining a sense of finality and acceptance.

therefore it happened

Replaces "so" with a more formal adverb, slightly altering the tone.

it then was

Switches the order of "then" and "was" for slightly different emphasis.

consequently it occurred

Emphasizes the logical consequence of a preceding event.

accordingly it resulted

Indicates a direct relationship between cause and effect.

hence it followed

Formally indicates that something logically or naturally resulted from another thing.

thus it came to pass

Uses a more literary and somewhat archaic phrasing.

as a result it transpired

Formal and emphasizes that the situation became known or proved to be the case.

in that case it was

Introduces the phrase with a conditional element, emphasizing circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "so it was" in a sentence?

Use "so it was" to show that something happened as a direct result of a previous situation or decision. For example, "The negotiations failed, "so it was" inevitable that the project would be delayed".

What does "so it was" mean?

"So it was" means that a certain outcome or state came to be as a result of something that happened before. It implies acceptance or resignation to the situation.

What phrases are similar to "so it was"?

Similar phrases include "therefore it happened", "and so it happened", or "thus it came to pass". The best option will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "so it was" formal or informal?

"So it was" can lean towards being slightly formal, though its appropriateness depends on context. In casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable.