So vs. That — What's the Difference?

Difference Between So and That

Compare with Definitions

So

To such a great extent

Don't look so worried

The words tumbled out so fast that I could barely hear them

I'm not so foolish as to say that

That

The function word that is used in the English language for several grammatical purposes.These include: as a complementizer/subordinating conjunction. ("He asked that she go.") That can be omitted when used to introduce a subordinate clause—"he told me that it is a good read" could just as easily be "he told me it is a good read".

So

To the same extent (used in comparisons)

He isn't so bad as you'd think

Help without which he would not have done so well

That

Being the one singled out, implied, or understood

That place.

Those mountains.

So

Referring back to something previously mentioned.

That

Being the one further removed or less obvious

That route is shorter than this one.

So

In the way described or demonstrated; thus

So it was that he was still a bachelor

Hold your arms so

That

To such an extent or degree

Is your problem that complicated?.

So

And for this reason; therefore

You know I'm telling the truth, so don't interrupt

It was still painful so I went to see a specialist

That

To a high degree; very

Didn't take what he said that seriously.

So

With the aim that; in order that

They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear

That

Used to introduce a noun clause that is usually the subject or object of a verb or a predicate nominative

"That contemporary American English is exuberantly vigorous is undeniable" (William Arrowsmith).

So

And then; as the next step

And so to the final

That

Used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a result, wish, purpose, reason, or cause

She hoped that he would arrive on time. He was saddened that she felt so little for him.

So

Introducing a question

So, what did you do today?

That

Used to introduce an anticipated subordinate clause following the expletive it occurring as subject of the verb

It is true that dental work is expensive.

So

Introducing a statement which is followed by a defensive comment

So I like keeping track of things—what's wrong with that?

That

Used to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression

Will go anywhere that they are welcome.

So

Introducing a concluding statement

So that's that

That

Used to introduce a subordinate clause that is joined to an adjective or noun as a complement

Was sure that she was right.

Persists in the belief that rates will rise soon.

So

In the same way; correspondingly

Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good

That

Used to introduce an elliptical exclamation of desire

Oh, that I were rich!.

So

Variant spelling of soh

That

Introducing a clause which is the subject or object of a verb (such as one involving reported speech), or which is a complement to a previous statement.

He told me that the book is a good read.

I believe that it is true. — She is convinced that he is British.

That she will come is almost certain.

So

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

She was so happy that she cried.

That

Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.

Be glad that you have enough to eat.

So

To a great extent; to such an evident degree

But the idea is so obvious.

That

(dated) Introducing a subordinate clause that expresses an aim, purpose, or goal ("final"), and usually contains the auxiliaries may, might, or should: so, so that.

So

Afterward; then

To the gas station and so home.

That

Introducing — especially, but not exclusively, with an antecedent like so or such — a subordinate clause expressing a result, consequence, or effect.

The noise was so loud that she woke up.

The problem was sufficiently important that it had to be addressed.

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.

That

Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.

So

In the same way; likewise

You were on time, and so was I.

That

Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.

Was John there? — Not that I saw.

How often did she visit him? — Twice that I saw.

So

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

So you think you've got troubles?.

That

Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish.

Oh that spring would come!

So

In truth; indeed; assuredly

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

That

Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise.

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.

That

The (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.

That book is a good read. This one isn't.

That battle was in 1450.

That cat of yours is evil.

So

In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus

Hold the brush so.

That

(demonstrative) The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.

That's my car over there.

He went home, and after that I never saw him again.

So

True; factual

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

That

The known (thing); used to refer to something just said.

They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?

So

In good order

Everything on his desk must be exactly so.

That

(demonstrative) The aforementioned quality or proposition; used to emphatically affirm or deny a previous statement or question.

The water is so cold! — That it is.

Would you like another piece of cake? — That I would!

We think that you stole the tarts. — That I did not!

So

For that reason; therefore

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

That

(relative) (plural that) Which, who; representing a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.

The CPR course that she took really came in handy.

The house that he lived in was old and dilapidated.

So

With the result or consequence that

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

That

(colloquial) Used in place of relative adverbs such as where or when; often omitted.

The place that [= where or to which] I went last year

The last time that [= when] I went to Europe

So

With the purpose that

I stayed so I could see you.

That

Clipping of that is; used to reinforce the preceding assertion or statement.

That's proper funny, that.

So

Used to express surprise or comprehension

So! You've finished your work at last.

That

(degree) To a given extent or degree.

"The ribbon was that thin." "I disagree, I say it was not that thin, it was thicker... or maybe thinner..."

So

Variant of sol1.

That

(degree) To a great extent or degree; very, particularly in negative constructions.

I'm just not that sick.

I did the run last year, and it wasn't that difficult.

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.

That

To such an extent; so. in positive constructions.

Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her.

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!”

That

(philosophy) Something being indicated that is there; one of those.

So

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

So how does this story end?

That

As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those), that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is true; those in the basket are good apples.

The early fame of Gratian was equal to that of the most celebrated princes.

That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked.

And when Moses heard that, he was content.

I will know your business, Harry, that I will.

Two principles in human nature reign;Self-love, to urge, and Reason, to restrain;Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call.

If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.

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.”

That

As an adjective, that has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun.

It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

The woman was made whole from that hour.

Upon a day out riden knightes two . . . That one of them came home, that other not.

So

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

That

As a relative pronoun, that is equivalent to who or which, serving to point out, and make definite, a person or thing spoken of, or alluded to, before, and may be either singular or plural.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame.

A judgment that is equal and impartial must incline to the greater probabilities.

We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen.

That I have done it is thyself to wite [blame].

The ship that somebody was sailing in.

I saw to-day a corpse yborn to churchThat now on Monday last I saw him wirche [work].

That that dieth, let it die; and that that is to cut off, let it be cut off.

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.

That

As a conjunction, that retains much of its force as a demonstrative pronoun.

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.

That

To introduce a clause employed as the object of the preceding verb, or as the subject or predicate nominative of a verb.

She tells them 't is a causeless fantasy,And childish error, that they are afraid.

I have shewed before, that a mere possibility to the contrary, can by no means hinder a thing from being highly credible.

So

(informal) Very (positive clause).

I feel so much better now.

I so nearly lost my temper.

That

As adverb: To such a degree; so; as, he was that frightened he could say nothing.

With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that.

The rank is but the guinea's stamp,The man's the gowd [gold] for a'that.

So

(informal) Very (negative clause).

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

That

To introduce, a reason or cause; - equivalent to for that, in that, for the reason that, because.

He does hear me;And that he does, I weep.

So

Very much.

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

That is so not true!

That

To introduce a purpose; - usually followed by may, or might, and frequently preceded by so, in order, to the end, etc.

These things I say, that ye might be saved.

To the end that he may prolong his days.

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).

That

To introduce a consequence, result, or effect; - usually preceded by so or such, sometimes by that.

The birds their notes renew, and bleating herdsAttest their joy, that hill and valley rings.

He gazed so longThat both his eyes were dazzled.

So wept Duessa until eventide,That shining lamps in Jove's high course were lit.

Is not this the dayThat Hermia should give answer of her choice?

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.’

That

In an elliptical sentence to introduce a dependent sentence expressing a wish, or a cause of surprise, indignation, or the like.

Ha, cousin Silence, that thou hadst seen that that this knight and I have seen!

O God, that right should thus overcome might!

To try if that our own be ours or no.

When he had carried Rome and that we lookedFor no less spoil than glory.

So

To such an extent or degree; as.

So far as;

So long as;

So much as

So

True, accurate.

That is so.

You are responsible for this, is that not so?

So

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

So

Homosexual.

Is he so?

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?

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?"

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.

So

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So

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

So

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

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.

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.

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.

So

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

So

Conforming to truth;

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

A truthful statement

So

Marked by system; in good order;

Everything is in order

His books are always just so

Things must be exactly so

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!

So

In order that;

He stooped down so he could pick up his hat

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

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

So

In the same way; also;

I was offended and so was he

Worked hard and so did she

So

In the way indicated;

Hold the brush so

Set up the pieces thus

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

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

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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