Word
so
Definitions
01showing a result
A1 · Beginner
conj. you use this to show the result of something.
conj. used to introduce a clause that expresses the consequence or result of a preceding statement.
“The shop was closed, so we went to the supermarket instead.”
“The primary investor withdrew his support at the last minute, so the board was forced to postpone the product launch indefinitely.”
Usage
usually placed between two clauses, often preceded by a comma.
Pitfall
It was raining, so that I stayed home.
It was raining, so I stayed home.
Use 'so' alone to show a result. 'So that' is used to show a purpose or goal.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02showing a purpose
B1 · Intermediate Informal
conj. a shorter way to say 'so that' to explain why you do something.
conj. a reduced form of 'so that', introducing a subordinate clause of purpose or intended result.
“I'll leave the key under the mat so you can get in.”
“He adjusted the microphone height so the guest speaker could be heard clearly by the audience in the back row.”
Usage
often used in speech where 'so that' would be used in formal writing.
Synonyms
03very or extremely
A1 · Beginner
adv. you use this to make an adjective or adverb stronger.
adv. an intensifier used to indicate a high degree or extent.
“I am so tired that I could sleep for twelve hours.”
“The evidence presented during the trial was so compelling that the jury reached a verdict in less than an hour.”
Usage
placed immediately before an adjective or another adverb.
04in the same way
A2 · Elementary
adv. used to avoid repeating a word or to say 'also'.
adv. a pro-form used to refer back to a previously mentioned action, state, or quality to avoid repetition.
“If you are hungry, then so am I.”
“The CEO believes the merger will be successful, and his senior partners think so too.”
Usage
often used in short responses like 'I think so' or 'So do I'.
05starting a new topic
A2 · Elementary Informal
interj. used to start a new part of a conversation or to ask a question.
interj. a discourse marker used to initiate a new topic, resume a conversation, or introduce a summary.
“So, what did you think of the movie we saw last night?”
“So, having reviewed the quarterly figures, let us move on to the proposed budget for next year.”
Usage
usually placed at the very beginning of a sentence.
06that thing mentioned
B1 · Intermediate
pron. used to represent a fact or situation that was just talked about.
pron. a demonstrative pronoun referring to a previously stated fact, condition, or situation.
“Is he coming to the party? I hope so.”
“The doctor suggested that the recovery would be slow, and unfortunately, it proved to be so.”
Usage
commonly follows verbs of thinking, saying, or believing.
Synonyms
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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