written by Lilian Ndongmo. ESL Teacher

Using So

There are at least seven different situations (functions) in which so can be used. Today, we will look at three of these functions: the most commonly used, and easiest to understand. Part two will cover the more difficult functions.

Usage 1: Use so to mean very.

If you replace so with very in the sentences below, the meaning is the same.

Example: It’s so cold.  

                 He is so shy. / He is very shy. (Both sentences have the same meaning)

Usage 2: Use so to give a positive answer to a question where the answer to such a question will normally be yes or no.

Example: Will you go to school this morning?  

Even though this is a yes or no question, your answer should be ‘yes’ (positive), and not ‘no’ (negative). For this reason, you can say:

                   I think so. OR   Yes, I think so

In this situation, so keeps the sentence very short. Instead of saying: Yes, I think I will go to school this morning, you simply replace the underlined words with so. Short and simple!

So can also be with be used with verbs such as: believe, say, tell (someone), expect, hope and suppose.

Usage 3: Use so to mean consequently or as a result.

Example: My final exam is next week, so I have to study very hard.

Using NOT

The usage of not is the exact opposite of usage 2 of so above.

Use not to give a negative answer to a question where the answer to such a question would normally be yes or no.

Example: Will you go to school tomorrow?

Answer: I hope not.

Not can be used with verbs such as be, believe, suppose, hope and expect.

We thank Daisy in China for bringing up this question. If you have any questions related to the English language (grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking, etc.), please feel free to ask here. Read Diana’s question and my answer here.