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Definition so in British English

so adverb, conjunction

adverb, conjunction
/səʊ/

So can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb (followed by an adjective or another adverb): Why are you so angry this morning?It all happened so quickly. (with a verb): We were so looking forward to meeting your family. (followed by an auxiliary or modal verb and then its subject): ‘I’m hungry.’ ‘So am I.’ (followed by an adjective and ‘a’ or ‘an’ and a singular countable noun): The garden seemed small for so large a house.

as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): There weren’t enough beds, so I had to sleep on the floor.

as a way of starting a new sentence: So, when do you start your new job?

in the conjunction phrase so that: He was standing in the shadow so that I could not see his face clearly.

1

used for emphasizing a quality, feeling, or amount

1.1

used for emphasizing a quality, feeling, or amount

Example

I'm so glad you could come.

Example

Thank you for looking after me so well.

Example

The food's wonderful, but it's so expensive!

Example

Like so many great artists, he died young.

1.2

used when you are emphasizing a fact by saying what the result of it is

Example

The children couldn't sleep, they were so excited.

Example

The road surface became so hot that it melted.

Example

Everything's changed so much I can scarcely recognize the place.

Example

His comments on the book were so childish as to be not worth considering.

1.3

used for saying that someone does something a lot or feels something strongly

Example

She so loved watching the children play.

Example

You shouldn't worry so. Nothing's going to happen to us.

Synonyms and related words
very particularly deeply
1.4

used for emphasis with a negative. This is mainly used by young people

Example

I am so over that guy!

Synonyms and related words
actually certainly clearly
2

used for referring back to a possibility, fact, or situation that has just been mentioned

2.1

used for referring back to a possibility, fact, or situation that has just been mentioned

Example

You're in love with Rita, aren't you? I thought so.

Example

'You're not really going to resign?' 'No, I don't suppose so.'

Example

If you wanted to leave early, you should have said so.

Example

I'm a quick learner. Or so they tell me.

Example

Does the President intend to go to Moscow? And if so, when?

Example

'Is Sybil the outdoor type?' 'Oh yes, very much so.'

2.2

used for saying that something that was just said is also true about another person or thing

Example

Heidi is planning to come, and so is Sylvia.

Example

My parents send their love, and so does Rachel.

Example

'I'd like to know what's happening out there.' 'So would I.'

Example

If I learned how to drive a car, so can you.

3

used for saying that something happens or someone does something because of what you have just mentioned

Example

She thought there might have been an accident, so she called the police.

Example

He was born in France, so he also has a French passport.

Example

A tree had fallen across the road, so they had to turn round and go back.

Example

The window was covered so that it was not possible to see inside.

Synonyms and related words
therefore consequently accordingly
4

used for saying what the purpose of an action is

Example

He lowered his voice so no one would hear.

Example

I'll get a map so that we can plan where we're going.

Example

In Tehran the wives of foreign diplomats wore headscarves so as not to offend the Iranians.

Example

The Athletics Federation has introduced stricter regulations so as to prevent cheating.

Example

So, let's get down to business.

Example

So, what do you suggest we do next?

5.2

used for introducing a question in order to make sure that what you have heard or noticed is correct

Example

So, you've finally decided to come with us?

6

used when showing someone how something should be done

6.1

used when showing someone how something should be done

Example

Tie the two ends together, like so.

Example

Grasp the handle with both hands, so.

6.2

used when describing something and using your hands to show its size

Example

I need a couple of metal rods about so long.

Synonyms and related words
by disproportionate double
6.3

used for saying that someone makes or arranges something in such a way that there is a particular result

Example

Each course of studies was so arranged that students could combine their education with part-time work.

Example

The architect had so designed the rooms that every window overlooked the lake.

7

used for introducing a known fact before you make a comment to show that it does not matter

Example

Okay, so the guy made a few mistakes. That doesn't mean he isn't a good player.

8

used for saying that a number or amount is limited

Example

I can only listen to her complaints for so long before I start to get angry.

Example

We have only so much time before the exams start.

Example

There are only so many police officers available for controlling the crowds.

Definition so in British English

Related Words

Words related to so:

and so (phrase) and so someone/something is (phrase) far as I’m concerned (phrase) long as (phrase) be so (phrase) so bold as to do something (phrase) do so (phrase) even so (phrase) every so often (phrase) I expect (so) (phrase) I fear (phrase) I hope so (phrase) I hope so (too) (phrase) I suppose (so) (phrase) I told you (so) (phrase) if etc so desire(s) (phrase) if I may say (so) (phrase) if I may say so (phrase) if you don’t mind saying so (phrase) just as... so (too) (phrase) just so (phrase) never so much as (phrase) not in so many words () not so () not so fast () not so much as () not so much... () not so... (as) () not hot () on someone’s say-so () or so (phrase) say-so (noun) so (adverb, conjunction) so () so (what)? (phrase) so be it (phrase) so far (phrase) so far, so good (phrase) so it is/so there are/so I have etc (phrase) so long (phrase) so much for something (phrase) so much the better (phrase) so near (and) yet so far (phrase) so there (phrase) so to speak (phrase) so-and-so (noun) so-called (adjective) so-so (adjective, adverb) so low (phrase) I say it myself (phrase) very much so (phrase) what’s so funny? (phrase) without so much as a by your leave (phrase) would you be kind enough to do something (phrase)