Use of So/So that & Therefore with Examples

So/So that and Therefore are two words that are often confused as words that denote the same meaning. Actually, they are different words with different connotations. While they may seem interchangeable, understanding their specific functions as adverbs, pronouns, or conjunctions is key to mastering English composition.

Did you know? If you asked even the most knowledgeable Americans, they probably could not tell you more than a few meanings for the word “so.” It is an everyday word that most people use without even realizing its complexity. In all, there are more than 25 meanings for “so.” That’s one powerful word!

The Usage of "So"

The word ‘so’ is primarily used in the sense of ‘as a result’.

• He is very good at his studies. So he secured the first position in his class. (Meaning: He is very good in studies and as a result, he secured the first position in his class).
• She is wise. So she is liked by others. (Meaning: She is wise and as a result, she is liked by others).

Intensity: It is interesting to note that the word ‘so’ is sometimes used in the sense of ‘very’ as in the sentence ‘she is so good in her studies.’ In this sentence, the word ‘so’ is used in the sense of ‘very’.

The Usage of "Therefore"

On the other hand, the word ‘therefore’ is used in the sense of ‘that is why’ or ‘as a consequence’. It is generally used to sum up observations.

• He is very mischievous. Therefore he was punished. (Meaning: He is very mischievous and that is why he was punished).
• She has a very good memory. Therefore she is right always. (Meaning: She has a very good memory and that is why she is right always).

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Phases of "So"

Today, we will tell you about three phrases that English learners have trouble with: “so,” “so that,” and “so adjective/adverb that.” We’ll discuss each one then compare them.

1. "So" as a Coordinating Conjunction

Let's start with “so” as coordinating conjunction – a word that joins two or more things, such as sentences or other words. When used in this way, it means "therefore" or "for that reason." For this meaning, “so” joins two complete sentences and shows the result of something in the second sentence.

Example: The apartment was too hot, so we opened the window.

The first sentence provides the action or situation: The apartment was too hot. It is joined by “so” to the second sentence which explains the resulting action: opening the window.

2. "So that" (In order to...)

“So that” is a phrase that begins adverb clauses. An adverb clause shows a relationship between two actions. It joins a main clause (complete sentence) to a dependent clause (incomplete sentence) and shows how they relate.

“So that” means “in order to” which answers the question “Why?” We use it to begin adverb clauses of purpose.

Example: It helps to lower blood sugar so that you feel less hungry.

The adverb clause is “so that you feel less hungry.” It shows the purpose for the action in the main clause. Why does it help to lower blood sugar? To feel less hungry.

3. Position and Modals

“So that” can also come at the beginning of a sentence, but this is rarer and usually sounds stilted to Americans.

Example: So that you feel less hungry, it helps to lower blood sugar.

Important Note: The word “that” is optional for “so that” in spoken English, so it may disappear. But without “that,” how will you know that the meaning is “in order to”? One signal is that there is often a modal verb in the adverb clause. Modal verbs include can, could, may, might, will and others.

Quick Comparison

Word / Phrase	Connotation	Purpose
So	As a result	Shows a simple result or intensity (very).
Therefore	That is why	Sums up observations or formal consequences.
So that	In order to	Explains the specific purpose (Answers "Why?").

Grammar Mastery: Choosing between these words depends on whether you are emphasizing a result, a logical consequence, or a purpose.

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