So vs. Then — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
"So" indicates a cause or reason, leading to a result or effect, whereas "then" refers to a sequence in time, suggesting what comes next or follows logically.
Difference Between So and Then
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"So" is primarily used to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two statements. It implies that the first statement is the reason for the outcome presented in the second statement. For example, in the sentence "It was raining, so we stayed indoors," "so" connects the cause (it was raining) with the effect (staying indoors). On the other hand, "then" is used to denote a sequence in time or order, indicating what happens next in a series of events. It can also be used to introduce a logical conclusion, as in, "If it rains, then we will cancel the picnic," where "then" suggests the consequence of the preceding condition.
"So" often serves to explain motives, reasons, or outcomes, emphasizing a relationship where one event directly influences another. This can be in the form of actions, decisions, or feelings. Conversely, "then" organizes information chronologically or logically, helping to clarify the order of events or steps in a process. For instance, "First, we went to the store, and then we went to the park," uses "then" to specify the sequence of activities.
In usage, "so" can also imply a degree or extent, as in "so much" or "so far," adding a layer of intensity or comparison. Whereas "then" can serve to compare different times or scenarios, as in "back then" or "then versus now," highlighting changes over time. Both words play crucial roles in structuring sentences and conveying precise meanings, but their applications reflect different aspects of language: causality and temporal sequence, respectively.
The choice between "so" and "then" can significantly alter the meaning of a sentence, underscoring the importance of context in their use. While "so" focuses on explaining why something happens, "then" is concerned with when things occur or the order in which they happen. Understanding these differences is key to effective communication, allowing for clear expression of cause and effect, as well as sequence and timing.
Comparison Chart
Function
Indicates cause and effect
Indicates sequence or time
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
Connects reason with outcome
Specifies order or next steps
Context
Used to explain or justify
Used to organize chronologically or logically
Additional Meaning
Can imply extent or degree
Can compare different times or scenarios
Example
"It was raining, so we stayed indoors."
"We went to the store, then to the park."
Compare with Definitions
So
Indicates a result or consequence.
She was tired, so she went to bed early.
Then
Refers to a time in the past.
Back then, we didn’t have smartphones.
So
Implies a certain degree or extent.
The book was so interesting that I read it in one sitting.
Then
Indicates the next step in a sequence.
Mix the ingredients, then bake for 20 minutes.
So
Expresses a reason or purpose.
I studied hard, so I passed the exam.
Then
Used to draw a conclusion.
If you want to succeed, then you must work hard.
So
Used in making comparisons.
He is not so tall as his brother.
Then
Specifies an alternative scenario.
If not now, then when?
So
Connects clauses indicating effect.
The weather was cold, so the lake froze.
Then
Compares different times.
Prices are higher now than they were then.
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
Then
At that time; at the time in question
He accepted a peerage from the then Prime Minister, Edward Heath
Phoebe by then was exhausted
I was living in Cairo then
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
Then
After that; next; afterwards
She won the first and then the second game
So
Referring back to something previously mentioned.
Then
In that case; therefore
If you do what I tell you, then there's nothing to worry about
Well, that's okay then
So
In the way described or demonstrated; thus
So it was that he was still a bachelor
Hold your arms so
Then
At that time
I was still in school then. Come at noon.
I'll be ready then.
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
Then
Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward
Watched the late movie and then went to bed.
So
With the aim that; in order that
They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear
Then
In addition; moreover; besides
It costs $20, and then there's the sales tax to pay.
So
And then; as the next step
And so to the final
Then
Used after but to qualify or balance a preceding statement
The star was nervous, but then who isn't on the first night of a new play.
So
Introducing a question
So, what did you do today?
Then
In that case; accordingly
If traffic is heavy, then allow extra time.
So
Introducing a statement which is followed by a defensive comment
So I like keeping track of things—what's wrong with that?
Then
As a consequence; therefore
The case, then, is closed.
So
Introducing a concluding statement
So that's that
Then
Usage Problem And after that
I showered, then combed my hair.
So
In the same way; correspondingly
Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good
Then
That time or moment
The bus leaves at four.
Until then let's walk.
So
Variant spelling of soh
Then
Being so at that time
The then chairman of the board.
So
To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent
She was so happy that she cried.
Then
(temporal location) At that time.
He was happy then.
So
To a great extent; to such an evident degree
But the idea is so obvious.
Then
(temporal location) Soon afterward.
He fixed it, then left.
Turn left, then right, then right again, then keep going until you reach the service station.
So
Afterward; then
To the gas station and so home.
Then
(sequence) Next in order of place.
There are three green ones, then a blue one.
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.
Then
In addition; also; besides.
So
In the same way; likewise
You were on time, and so was I.
Then
(conjunctive) In that case.
If it’s locked, then we’ll need the key.
Is it 12 o'clock already? Then it's time for me to leave.
You don't like potatoes? What do you want me to cook, then?
So
Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm
So you think you've got troubles?.
Then
(sequence) At the same time; on the other hand.
That’s a nice shirt, but then, so is the other one.
So
In truth; indeed; assuredly
"You aren't right." "I am so!".
Then
Used to contradict an assertion.
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.
Then
Being so at that time.
So
In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus
Hold the brush so.
Then
That time
It will be finished before then.
So
True; factual
I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.
Then
Obsolete spelling of than
So
In good order
Everything on his desk must be exactly so.
Then
Misspelling of than
So
For that reason; therefore
This is the easiest way to get there, so don't argue.
Then
At that time (referring to a time specified, either past or future).
And the Canaanite was then in the land.
Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
So
With the result or consequence that
He failed to appear, so we went on without him.
Then
Soon afterward, or immediately; next; afterward.
First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
So
With the purpose that
I stayed so I could see you.
Then
At another time; later; again.
One while the master is not aware of what is done, and then in other cases it may fall out to be own act.
But that opinion, I trust, by then this following argument hath been well read, will be left for one of the mysteries of an indulgent Antichrist.
So
Used to express surprise or comprehension
So! You've finished your work at last.
Then
Than.
So
Variant of sol1.
Then
In that case; in consequence; as a consequence; therefore; for this reason.
If all this be so, then man has a natural freedom.
Now, then, be all thy weighty cares away.
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.
Then
That time; that moment;
We will arrive before then
We were friends from then on
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!”
Then
At a specific prior time;
The then president
So
Used to connect previous conversation or events to the following question.
So how does this story end?
Then
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
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.”
Then
In that case or as a consequence;
If he didn't take it, then who did?
Keep it then if you want to
The case, then, is closed
You've made up your mind then?
Then you'll be rich
So
(archaic) Provided that; on condition that, as long as.
Then
At that time;
I was young then
Prices were lower back then
Science as it was then taught
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.
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.
So
(informal) Very (positive clause).
I feel so much better now.
I so nearly lost my temper.
So
(informal) Very (negative clause).
It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]
So
Very much.
But I so want to see the Queen when she visits our town!
That is so not true!
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).
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.’
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
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!
Common Curiosities
How does "so" contribute to sentence structure?
"So" connects two clauses, showing how one action or situation leads to another.
Can "then" and "so" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different purposes: "so" for cause and effect, and "then" for time or sequence.
What does "so" indicate in a sentence?
"So" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, linking a reason to its outcome.
Does "then" always refer to the past?
While often used to refer to the past, "then" can also indicate future events or logical conclusions.
What role does "then" play in storytelling?
"Then" helps in organizing events chronologically, making the narrative clear and logical.
Is "so" only used for physical actions?
No, "so" can also indicate logical consequences and degrees of comparison.
How does the context affect the use of "so" and "then"?
Context determines their function—whether showing causality, sequence, degree, or time.
Is "so" more subjective than "then"?
"So" can be seen as more subjective when expressing degrees or reasons, whereas "then" is more objective, denoting sequence or time.
How is "then" used differently from "so"?
"Then" is used to denote time or sequence, showing what comes next or follows in order.
Can "so" start a sentence?
Yes, "so" can start a sentence, especially when summarizing or concluding a point.
How can "then" compare different scenarios?
"Then" can compare different times or scenarios by setting a reference point for comparison, like "then versus now."
What’s the difference between "so" in cause-effect and "so" in degree?
"So" in cause-effect links reasons to outcomes, while "so" in degree emphasizes the extent or level of something.
How do "so" and "then" enhance writing?
They clarify relationships between ideas, improve flow, and help structure narratives logically and coherently.
Why is it important to distinguish between "so" and "then"?
Proper use ensures clear communication, accurately conveying the intended relationship between ideas or events.
Can "then" imply a condition?
Yes, "then" can imply a condition, especially in if-then constructs, indicating the consequence of a condition.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Fudge vs. Brownie
Next Comparison
Puma vs. PantherAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
