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so [ sō ] CORE MEANING: a conjunction indicating the reason for an action or situation, or its result
  Let's go upstairs and talk, so we can have a little privacy.
Keep your password secret so that others cannot access your account.
I had the flu, so I couldn't attend the meeting. |
| Definition: |
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1. conj in order that: introduces the reason for doing what has just been mentioned
The poles are joined together so as to enclose an area of about twenty feet in diameter.
He held her tight so that she wouldn't fall.
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2. conj introduces result: introduces the result of the situation that has just been mentioned
Everything is done on a shoestring, so their prices are very low.
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3. conj indicates similarity: indicates that two events or situations are alike in some way
Just as my circumstances have changed, so too have my goals in life.
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4. adverb indicates identity: indicates that what is true of one person or thing is also true of another person or thing
(
followed by auxiliary or modal, or by the main verb "do," "have," or "be"
)
If you can keep a secret, so can I.
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5. adverb as it is: indicates that something is the way it has been described
Nebraska has the potential to be very important, and will soon be so, both politically and commercially.
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6. adverb refers back: refers back to something that has just been mentioned
Lunch may be purchased on the island, for those who desire to do so.
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7. adverb to such extent: emphasizes the degree of something by mentioning its result
He is so busy working at Nathan's, he doesn't have time to take classes.
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8. adverb emphasizes quality: adds emphasis to the meaning of an adverb or adjective
I was so scared.
He acts so stubbornly sometimes.
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9. conj therefore or in consequence: introduces an event in a sequence
It's not working out so we'll have to go back to the beginning and start again.
She said she would like to see me again so I gave her my phone number.
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10. conj invites comment: introduces a new topic, or a question or comment about something
So what are we going to do about it?
So I see you've changed your mind.
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11. adverb indicates position or dimensions: indicates the position or dimensions of something, using actions or gestures
Hold onto the boat like so, and hoist yourself up.
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12. adverb indeed: used to contradict a negative statement
(
nonstandard
)
"You never explained what to do." "I did so!"
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13. adverb introduces command: used to introduce commands
(
informal
)
So stop it already!
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| [ Old English swā< Indo-European] |
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and so on or forth used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other things that could be mentioned
These systems are traditionally used in industries such as insurance, banking, universities, and so on.
Remove any additional hardware from the system (mouse, network card, fax board, modem, and so forth.)
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so be it expresses agreement or resignation
I wish you'd think again, but never mind - so be it!
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so much a limited or unspecified degree or amount
The government can only do so much.
I can only take so many insults.
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so much for
1. used to indicate that there is nothing more that can be said or done about something
So much for the morning. I still had the afternoon to get through.
2. used to indicate that something has not been successful or helpful
So much for that brilliant plan!
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so that in order that
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so there used to express defiance, triumph, or finality
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so what? used to ask rather rudely why something is important, implying that it is not
You amass all these facts, but the question is, "so what?"
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