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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Common in everyday speech and informal writing.
Predominantly used in formal writing and structured arguments.
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Nov 19, 2023
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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Nov 19, 2023
Purpose
Indicates a direct result or outcome.
Indicates a logical conclusion based on previous statements.
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Nov 19, 2023
Variability
Has multiple uses (conjunction, adverb).
Mainly used as a conjunctive adverb in formal arguments.
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Nov 19, 2023
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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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Nov 19, 2023
Therefore
"Therefore" is used to summarize or conclude a discussion.
The evidence is inconclusive, therefore no decision can be made.
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Nov 19, 2023
Therefore
"Therefore" indicates a conclusion based on evidence.
The road was icy, therefore driving was dangerous.
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Nov 19, 2023
So
To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent
She was so happy that she cried.
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Oct 19, 2023
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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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Nov 19, 2023
Therefore
"Therefore" introduces formal conclusions.
The experiment failed to show results, therefore the hypothesis was rejected.
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Nov 19, 2023
Therefore
"Therefore" links cause and effect in formal discourse.
He did not study, therefore he failed the exam.
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Nov 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm
So you think you've got troubles?.
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus
Hold the brush so.
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
For that reason; therefore
This is the easiest way to get there, so don't argue.
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Oct 19, 2023
So
With the result or consequence that
He failed to appear, so we went on without him.
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Oct 19, 2023
So
Used to express surprise or comprehension
So! You've finished your work at last.
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
Used to connect previous conversation or events to the following question.
So how does this story end?
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
(informal) Very (positive clause).
I feel so much better now.
I so nearly lost my temper.
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Oct 19, 2023
So
(informal) Very (negative clause).
It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
In that state or manner; with that attribute. A proadjective that replaces the aforementioned adjective phrase.
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
The syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization
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Oct 19, 2023
So
Conforming to truth;
I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so
A truthful statement
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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 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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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
So
In the same way; also;
I was offended and so was he
Worked hard and so did she
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
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!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
So
"So" indicates a consequence or result.
I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
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Nov 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "so" be used in academic writing?
Yes, but sparingly and in less formal contexts.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is "so" formal?
No, "so" is typically informal and used in everyday speech.
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Nov 19, 2023
What type of conjunction is "therefore"?
"Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does "therefore" always indicate logic?
Yes, it's used to denote a logical conclusion.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is "therefore" a transition word?
Yes, it's often used as a transition in formal writing.
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Nov 19, 2023
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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Nov 19, 2023
Does "so" imply causation?
"So" implies a direct result or effect, not necessarily causation.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is "therefore" appropriate in casual conversation?
It's less common and can sound overly formal.
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Nov 19, 2023
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".
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is "therefore" common in everyday language?
It's less common and more formal.
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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.
Shumaila Saeed
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 SaeedShumaila 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.
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