So vs. Therefore: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

So is a conjunction used to express a result, while Therefore is a more formal conjunction indicating a logical conclusion.

Key Differences

"So" is often used in informal or conversational contexts, indicating a direct result or outcome. "Therefore" is more formal and used in academic or professional writing, signifying a logical conclusion based on previously stated information.

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Nov 19, 2023

"So" carries a casual tone and is commonly found in everyday speech. "Therefore" is formal and frequently used in structured arguments or scientific papers to draw conclusions.

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Nov 19, 2023

"So" typically begins a clause and is followed by a comma in complex sentences. "Therefore" can start a sentence or appear mid-sentence, often preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma when used to separate clauses.

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Nov 19, 2023

"So" is used to present straightforward results or effects. "Therefore" is employed in deductive reasoning, where it introduces conclusions drawn from premises.

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Nov 19, 2023

"So" has a broader range of uses, including as an adverb ("I was tired, so I went to bed early"). "Therefore" is primarily used as a conjunctive adverb linking cause and effect in a formal argument.

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Comparison Chart

Tone

Casual

Formal

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Usage

Common in everyday speech and informal writing.

Predominantly used in formal writing and structured arguments.

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Position

Often starts a clause, followed by a comma.

Can start a sentence or appear mid-sentence, usually with a semicolon before and a comma after.

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Purpose

Indicates a direct result or outcome.

Indicates a logical conclusion based on previous statements.

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Variability

Has multiple uses (conjunction, adverb).

Mainly used as a conjunctive adverb in formal arguments.

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So and Therefore Definitions

So

"So" describes the degree or extent.

The movie was so good, I watched it twice.

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Therefore

"Therefore" is used to summarize or conclude a discussion.

The evidence is inconclusive, therefore no decision can be made.

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So

"So" can express purpose.

I saved money so I could buy a new bike.

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Therefore

"Therefore" indicates a conclusion based on evidence.

The road was icy, therefore driving was dangerous.

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So

To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent

She was so happy that she cried.

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Therefore

"Therefore" is used in logical arguments.

All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.

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So

To a great extent; to such an evident degree

But the idea is so obvious.

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Therefore

"Therefore" introduces formal conclusions.

The experiment failed to show results, therefore the hypothesis was rejected.

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So

Afterward; then

To the gas station and so home.

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Therefore

"Therefore" links cause and effect in formal discourse.

He did not study, therefore he failed the exam.

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So

Used to preface a remark or signal a new subject

So what happened here? So I'm going to the store to buy some milk.

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Therefore

For that reason or cause; consequently or hence.

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So

In the same way; likewise

You were on time, and so was I.

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Therefore

(conjunctive) Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.

Traditional values will always have a place. Therefore, they will never lose relevance.

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So

Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm

So you think you've got troubles?.

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Therefore

For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)

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So

In truth; indeed; assuredly

"You aren't right." "I am so!".

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Therefore

For that or this reason, referring to something previously stated; for that.

I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.

Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

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Oct 19, 2023

So

(Informal) Used as an intensive, especially with verbs or verb phrases

They want to move in with us, but that is so not going to happen.

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Therefore

Consequently; by consequence.

He blushes; therefore he is guilty.

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So

In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus

Hold the brush so.

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Therefore

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;

Therefore X must be true

The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory

We were young and thence optimistic

It is late and thus we must go

The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted

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So

True; factual

I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.

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Therefore

As a consequence;

He had good reason to be grateful for the opportunities which they had made available to him and which consequently led to the good position he now held

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So

In good order

Everything on his desk must be exactly so.

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So

For that reason; therefore

This is the easiest way to get there, so don't argue.

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So

With the result or consequence that

He failed to appear, so we went on without him.

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So

With the purpose that

I stayed so I could see you.

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So

Used to express surprise or comprehension

So! You've finished your work at last.

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So

Variant of sol1.

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So

Reduced form of 'so that', used to express purpose; in order that.

I got an earlier train to work so I'd have plenty of time to prepare for the meeting.

Eat your broccoli so you can have dessert.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

With the result that; for that reason; therefore.

I was hungry, so I asked if there was any more food.

He ate too much cake, so he fell ill.

He wanted a book, so he went to the library.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” ― “So go!”

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So

Used to connect previous conversation or events to the following question.

So how does this story end?

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So

Used to introduce a rhetorical question.

“We'd like to visit but I don't know if we can afford a hotel.” — “So who's staying in a hotel? Stay with us.”

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So

(archaic) Provided that; on condition that, as long as.

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So

To the (explicitly stated) extent that.

It was so hot outside that all the plants died.

He was so good, they hired him on the spot.

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So

(informal) To the (implied) extent.

I need a piece of cloth so long. [= this long]

There are only so many hours in a day.

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So

(informal) Very (positive clause).

I feel so much better now.

I so nearly lost my temper.

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So

(informal) Very (negative clause).

It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]

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So

Very much.

But I so want to see the Queen when she visits our town!

That is so not true!

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So

In a particular manner.

Place the napkin on the table just so. If that's what you mean, then say so; (or do so).

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So

In the same manner or to the same extent as aforementioned; also.

Just as you have the right to your free speech, so I have the right to mine.

Many people say she's the world's greatest athlete, but I don't think so.

"I can count backwards from one hundred." "So can I."

‘There're another two.’ ‘So there are.’

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So

To such an extent or degree; as.

So far as;

So long as;

So much as

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So

True, accurate.

That is so.

You are responsible for this, is that not so?

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So

In that state or manner; with that attribute. A proadjective that replaces the aforementioned adjective phrase.

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So

Homosexual.

Is he so?

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So

Used after a pause for thought to introduce a new topic, question or story, or a new thought or question in continuation of an existing topic.

So, let's go home.

So, what'll you have?

So, there was this squirrel stuck in the chimney...

So, everyone wants to know – did you win the contest or not?

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Oct 19, 2023

So

Used as a question to ask for further explanation of something said, often rhetorically or in a dismissive or impolite manner.

"You park your car in front of my house every morning." — "So?"

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So

Used as a meaningless filler word to begin a response to a question.

What are you doing? / So I'm just fixing this shelf.

What time does the train leave? / So it leaves at 10 o'clock.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

(archaic) Be as you are; stand still; used especially to cows; also used by sailors.

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So

In that manner or degree; as, indicated (in any way), or as implied, or as supposed to be known.

Why is his chariot so long in coming?

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Oct 19, 2023

So

In like manner or degree; in the same way; thus; for like reason; whith equal reason; - used correlatively, following as, to denote comparison or resemblance; sometimes, also, following inasmuch as.

As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

In such manner; to such degree; - used correlatively with as or that following; as, he was so fortunate as to escape.

I viewed in may mind, so far as I was able, the beginning and progress of a rising world.

He is very much in Sir Roger's esteem, so that he lives in the family rather as a relation than dependent.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

Very; in a high degree; that is, in such a degree as can not well be expressed; as, he is so good; he planned so wisely.

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So

In the same manner; as has been stated or suggested; in this or that condition or state; under these circumstances; in this way; - with reflex reference to something just asserted or implied; used also with the verb to be, as a predicate.

Use him [your tutor] with great respect yourself, and cause all your family to do so too.

It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire into those matters, whether they be so or not.

He is Sir Robert's son, and so art thou.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

The case being such; therefore; on this account; for this reason; on these terms; - used both as an adverb and a conjuction.

God makes him in his own image an intellectual creature, and so capable of dominion.

Here, then, exchange we mutually forgiveness;So may the guilt of all my broken vows,My perjuries to thee, be all forgotten.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

It is well; let it be as it is, or let it come to pass; - used to express assent.

And when 't is writ, for my sake read it over,And if it please you, so; if not, why, so.

There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

Well; the fact being as stated; - used as an expletive; as, so the work is done, is it?

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Oct 19, 2023

So

Is it thus? do you mean what you say? - with an upward tone; as, do you say he refuses? So?

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Oct 19, 2023

So

About the number, time, or quantity specified; thereabouts; more or less; as, I will spend a week or so in the country; I have read only a page or so.

A week or so will probably reconcile us.

So do, as thou hast said.

As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Had woman been so strong as men.

No country suffered so much as England.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

Provided that; on condition that; in case that; if.

Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose play upon the earth, so truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength.

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Oct 19, 2023

So

Be as you are; stand still; stop; that will do; right as you are; - a word used esp. to cows; also used by sailors.

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So

The syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization

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So

Conforming to truth;

I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so

A truthful statement

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So

Marked by system; in good order;

Everything is in order

His books are always just so

Things must be exactly so

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So

To a very great extent or degree;

The idea is so obvious

Never been so happy

I love you so

My head aches so!

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Oct 19, 2023

So

In order that;

He stooped down so he could pick up his hat

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So

In such a condition or manner, especially as expressed or implied;

They're happy and I hope they will remain so

So live your life that old age will bring no regrets

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So

To a certain unspecified extent or degree;

I can only go so far with this student

Can do only so much in a day

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So

In the same way; also;

I was offended and so was he

Worked hard and so did she

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So

In the way indicated;

Hold the brush so

Set up the pieces thus

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So

(usually followed by `that') to an extent or degree as expressed;

He was so tired he could hardly stand

So dirty that it smells

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So

Subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors);

Then he left

Go left first, then right

First came lightning, then thunder

We watched the late movie and then went to bed

And so home and to bed

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Oct 19, 2023

So

In truth (often tends to intensify);

They said the car would break down and indeed it did

It is very cold indeed

Was indeed grateful

Indeed, the rain may still come

He did so do it!

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Oct 19, 2023

So

"So" indicates a consequence or result.

I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.

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So

"So" emphasizes intensity.

She was so excited about the trip.

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So

"So" can be used as a filler in conversation.

So, what do you think?

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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can "so" be used in academic writing?

Yes, but sparingly and in less formal contexts.

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Is "so" formal?

No, "so" is typically informal and used in everyday speech.

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What type of conjunction is "therefore"?

"Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb.

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Is "so" a conjunction?

Yes, "so" is commonly used as a conjunction.

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Does "therefore" always indicate logic?

Yes, it's used to denote a logical conclusion.

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Is "therefore" a transition word?

Yes, it's often used as a transition in formal writing.

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Can "therefore" start a sentence?

Yes, "therefore" can start a sentence in formal writing.

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Nov 19, 2023

Is "therefore" only used in positive sentences?

No, it can be used in both positive and negative sentences.

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Does "so" imply causation?

"So" implies a direct result or effect, not necessarily causation.

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Is "therefore" appropriate in casual conversation?

It's less common and can sound overly formal.

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Is "so" used for emphasis?

Yes, it can be used as an adverb for emphasis.

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Does "therefore" have synonyms?

Yes, synonyms include "thus," "hence," and "consequently."

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Nov 19, 2023

Can "therefore" be replaced with "thus"?

Yes, "thus" is a formal synonym for "therefore".

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Nov 19, 2023

Is "therefore" common in everyday language?

It's less common and more formal.

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Nov 19, 2023

Can "so" be an adverb?

Yes, "so" can function as an adverb.

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Nov 19, 2023

How does "so" function in a question?

"So" can be a filler word or indicate purpose in questions.

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Can "so" link two independent clauses?

Yes, when used as a conjunction.

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Nov 19, 2023

Can "so" introduce a reason?

Typically, "so" introduces a result, not a reason.

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Nov 19, 2023

Does "so" always need a comma?

When linking clauses, it often requires a comma.

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Nov 19, 2023

Can "therefore" be informal?

It's predominantly formal and less suitable for informal contexts.

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Nov 19, 2023

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Written by

Shumaila Saeed

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.