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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
so this year
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "so this year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement or conclusion related to the current year, often in the context of plans, goals, or reflections. Example: "So this year, I plan to focus on my health and fitness more than ever before."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Not so this year.
News & Media
So this year, why not experiment?
News & Media
Over 300 have done so this year.
News & Media
Japan proposes to do so this year.
News & Media
So this year it's clothes.
News & Media
So this year presents at least two questions.
News & Media
Four pairs managed to do so this year.
News & Media
So this year, he's fighting back.
News & Media
So this year, I'm trying her way.
News & Media
So this year, Robison hedged its bets.
News & Media
But is that so this year?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "so this year" to clearly signal a change in strategy, plans, or perspective compared to previous years. It's effective for introducing a new course of action or a revised goal.
Common error
Avoid starting too many sentences with "so this year" in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and flow.
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "so this year" typically functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a consequence, result, or decision based on previous circumstances or events, as suggested by Ludwig's examples. It sets the stage for what is planned or expected to happen in the current year, acting as a transitional element within the sentence.
Frequent in
News & Media
77%
Academia
5%
Formal & Business
2%
Less common in
Science
16%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "so this year" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase to signal a change in direction, strategy, or plans for the current year. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is especially prevalent in News & Media sources. When using "so this year", make sure it logically connects to the previous context and avoid overusing it to prevent repetitive writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
therefore this year
Replaces "so" with "therefore", providing a more formal tone while maintaining the causal relationship.
thus this year
Substitutes "so" with "thus", offering a more concise and slightly more formal alternative.
consequently this year
Replaces "so" with "consequently", emphasizing the result or outcome for the current year.
as a result this year
Replaces "so" with "as a result", clearly indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.
accordingly this year
Substitutes "so" with "accordingly", suggesting that actions are being taken in response to something.
in light of this year
Shifts the focus to considering the current year's circumstances as the basis for a decision.
given the current year
Highlights the present year as the contextual framework for what follows.
considering this year
Emphasizes the act of taking the current year into account.
with this year in mind
Highlights that the current year is a guiding factor in the subsequent statement.
because of this year
Directly attributes the following statement to the circumstances or events of the current year.
FAQs
How can I use "so this year" in a sentence?
The phrase "so this year" is used to introduce a decision, action, or situation that is specific to the current year. For example, "The project failed last year, "so this year" we are trying a new approach".
What's a more formal alternative to "so this year"?
For a more formal tone, you can replace "so" with "therefore", "thus", or "consequently". For instance, instead of ""so this year" we are focusing on efficiency", you could say "therefore this year, we are focusing on efficiency".
Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "so this year"?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "so this year", as "so" functions as a conjunction or adverb indicating a consequence or transition. However, ensure that it logically connects to the preceding context.
How does "so this year" differ from "last year" or "next year"?
"So this year" emphasizes a contrast or shift in plans or actions specifically for the current year, while "last year" refers to the previous year and "next year" refers to the upcoming year. Each phrase serves to contextualize events within a specific timeframe.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested