so poor that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so poor that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is extremely lacking in resources or quality, often leading to a specific consequence. Example: "He was so poor that he couldn't afford basic necessities like food and shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So poor that Evans clears.

The Guardian - Sport

Supervision was so poor that inmates often made a plea to workers.

The New York Times

Communications were so poor that soldiers had to rely on pay phones.

The New Yorker

Queens Park Rangers' position is so poor that slight improvement will not save them.

Independent

Georgia, Mr Bendukidze argued, was so poor that only radical reform would do.

The Economist

But internal coördination with the bombing crews was so poor that the leaflets were delivered late.

The New Yorker

But she's so vulnerable, so poor, that perhaps he won't even have to pretend.

The New York Times

But the Indians here are still so poor that many continue to leave.

The New York Times

Feedback was so poor that studio Lionsgate and Proyas apologised for the film's lack of diversity.

The Guardian - Film

"England are so poor that if they can't beat these surely CAPELLO HAS TO GO.

The Guardian - Sport

Conditions are sometimes so poor that you notice it in your nostrils or lungs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so poor that", ensure the consequence following "that" is a direct and logical result of the poverty being described. This maintains clarity and strengthens the causal relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "so poor that" to describe situations where the stated consequence is an overblown or unrealistic result of poverty. For example, avoid saying "They were "so poor that" they had to sell their yacht" as this is a contradictory statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so poor that" functions as a causal connector, linking a state of poverty with its direct consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so poor that" is a grammatically correct and very common causal connector used to emphasize the direct consequences of poverty. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and broad usage. While versatile, ensure that the stated consequence is a realistic outcome of the described poverty. Alternative phrases like "so impoverished that" or "so destitute that" can be used for variety. Remember to avoid exaggerated consequences when using the phrase to maintain clarity and credibility. The register is considered neutral, making it suitable across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so impoverished that

Replaces "poor" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a deeper state of deprivation.

so destitute that

Uses "destitute", highlighting a state of utter poverty and lack of resources.

in such poverty that

Emphasizes the state of poverty as the primary condition.

so lacking in resources that

Focuses on the absence of resources as the defining characteristic.

so short of funds that

Specifically refers to the lack of financial resources.

to such an extent of poverty that

A more verbose phrasing that emphasizes the degree of poverty.

so indigent that

Replaces "poor" with a formal and somewhat archaic term for poverty.

so penurious that

Uses "penurious", another formal synonym for extremely poor.

reduced to such poverty that

Highlights the process of becoming poor, suggesting a decline in financial status.

living in such hardship that

Emphasizes the difficult living conditions resulting from poverty.

FAQs

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

The phrase "so poor that" is used to indicate that someone's poverty is the direct cause of something else. For example, "They were "so poor that" they couldn't afford to heat their home."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "so poor that"?

You can use alternatives like "so impoverished that", "so destitute that", or "in such poverty that" to convey a similar meaning.

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

No, "too poor that" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "so poor that", which establishes a cause-and-effect relationship. "Too poor" is typically followed by "to" + verb, not "that" + clause, as in "too poor to afford it".

What is the difference between "so poor that" and "very poor that"?

"So poor that" indicates a direct consequence resulting from poverty, while "very poor that" is grammatically incorrect. To express extreme poverty without a direct consequence, you can use "very poor" without "that", like "They are very poor".