so
- 01 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.
Simple“The shop was closed, so we went to the supermarket instead.”
In context“The primary investor withdrew his support at the last minute, so the board was forced to postpone the product launch indefinitely.”
Usageusually placed between two clauses, often preceded by a comma.
PitfallIt 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.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“I'll leave the key under the mat so you can get in.”
In context“He adjusted the microphone height so the guest speaker could be heard clearly by the audience in the back row.”
Usageoften used in speech where 'so that' would be used in formal writing.
Synonymsin order thatso that - 03 A1 Beginner
adv.you use this to make an adjective or adverb stronger.
adv.an intensifier used to indicate a high degree or extent.
Simple“I am so tired that I could sleep for twelve hours.”
In context“The evidence presented during the trial was so compelling that the jury reached a verdict in less than an hour.”
Usageplaced immediately before an adjective or another adverb.
- 04 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.
Simple“If you are hungry, then so am I.”
In context“The CEO believes the merger will be successful, and his senior partners think so too.”
Usageoften used in short responses like 'I think so' or 'So do I'.
- 05 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“So, what did you think of the movie we saw last night?”
In context“So, having reviewed the quarterly figures, let us move on to the proposed budget for next year.”
Usageusually placed at the very beginning of a sentence.
- 06 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.
Simple“Is he coming to the party? I hope so.”
In context“The doctor suggested that the recovery would be slow, and unfortunately, it proved to be so.”
Usagecommonly follows verbs of thinking, saying, or believing.
Synonyms