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so

conj. · adv. · interj. · pron.
  1. 1 showing a result (conj.)
    A1 Beginner

    you use this to show the result of something.

    used to introduce a clause that expresses the consequence or result of a preceding statement.

    Example

    The shop was closed, so we went to the supermarket instead.

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 showing a purpose (conj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a shorter way to say 'so that' to explain why you do something.

    a reduced form of 'so that', introducing a subordinate clause of purpose or intended result.

    Example

    I'll leave the key under the mat so you can get in.

    Example

    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.
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  1. 3 very or extremely (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    you use this to make an adjective or adverb stronger.

    an intensifier used to indicate a high degree or extent.

    Example

    I am so tired that I could sleep for twelve hours.

    Example

    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.
  2. 4 in the same way (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    used to avoid repeating a word or to say 'also'.

    a pro-form used to refer back to a previously mentioned action, state, or quality to avoid repetition.

    Example

    If you are hungry, then so am I.

    Example

    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'.
  3. 5 starting a new topic (interj.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    used to start a new part of a conversation or to ask a question.

    a discourse marker used to initiate a new topic, resume a conversation, or introduce a summary.

    Example

    So, what did you think of the movie we saw last night?

    Example

    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.
  4. 6 that thing mentioned (pron.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to represent a fact or situation that was just talked about.

    a demonstrative pronoun referring to a previously stated fact, condition, or situation.

    Example

    Is he coming to the party? I hope so.

    Example

    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.

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