to be so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to affirm or confirm a statement or situation, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "It is important to understand that the decision has been made, and it is to be so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorry to be so negative.

The New York Times

It is meant to be so.

The New York Times

Everyone seems to be so busy".

The New Yorker

IT USED to be so straightforward.

The Economist

"He seemed to be so quiet".

The New Yorker

For them to be so stupid now".

The New York Times - Sports

It all used to be so simple.

The New York Times

It's brave to be so honest.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're going to be so vigilant.

The New Yorker

We're going to be so careful.

The New Yorker

Does it have to be so bloody?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be so" when you want to formally confirm or acknowledge a situation or statement, especially in writing where a degree of sophistication is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "to be so" in casual conversation or informal writing, where it can sound overly stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to be like that" or "to be the case" for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be so" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase used to affirm or confirm a preceding statement or situation. Ludwig AI analysis of various examples, similar and exact, highlights this confirmatory role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be so" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that serves to affirm or validate a statement, often with a touch of formality. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid in casual settings where simpler phrasing is preferred. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a sophisticated yet clear tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be that way

Replaces "so" with a more general descriptor of manner or condition.

to be the case

Substitutes "so" with a more formal expression indicating a state of affairs.

to turn out that way

Adds a sense of eventuality or outcome to the original phrase.

to become like that

Focuses on the process of changing into a particular state or condition.

to result in that manner

Highlights the consequence or outcome of an action in a formal style.

to end up being that

Emphasizes the final state or condition after a series of events.

to prove to be true

Shifts the focus to verification or confirmation of a statement.

to be validated as such

Adds a layer of formal confirmation or endorsement to the concept.

to stay that condition

The focus shifts towards maintaining a present state.

to remain in this state

Focuses on continuity, highlighting the persistence of a certain condition.

FAQs

How can I use "to be so" in a sentence?

You can use "to be so" to affirm a statement or situation, as in "It is meant "to be so"" or "It turned out not "to be so"".

What are some alternatives to "to be so"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be that way", "to be the case", or "to turn out that way", depending on the specific context.

Is "to be so" formal or informal?

"To be so" is generally considered a more formal expression. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "to be so" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "to be so" in formal writing where you want to affirm something with a degree of sophistication or in literary contexts for stylistic effect.