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Eddie88 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

How to punctuate the word 'so'

Hi.

I have read numerous websites discussing how to punctuate the word so.Here is one of the sites that discussed it, which appeared to be credible.

  1. So is a coordinating conjunction when its meaning is during the time NOT as a result.
    1. The owl paddled, so the monkey slept.
  2. So is a subordinating conjunction when its meaning is in order that, with the purpose that. (It is usually followed by that.)
    1. The owl paddled, so that the monkey might sleep.
  3. So is a conjunctive adverb when its meaning is therefore.
    1. The owl paddled; so it made sense for the monkey to sleep.
However, I have read other peoples opinions which totally go against this.
Could someone tell me if this is correct or not and how it should be written if not like this.

Thanks Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

Hi, Welcome to the Forum. Here is one of the sites that discussed it, which appeared to be credible. So is a coordinating conjunction when its meaning is during the time NOT as a result.

— Clive

  • Hi, Welcome to the Forum.
  • Here is one of the sites that discussed it, which appeared to be credible.
  • So is a coordinating conjunction when its meaning is during the time NOT as a result.
  • The owl paddled, so the monkey slept.
  • This punctuation is fine.
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11 Answers
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Hi,
Welcome to the Forum.
I have read numerous websites discussing how to punctuate the word so.Here is one of the sites that discussed it, which appeared to be credible.

  1. So is a coordinating conjunction when its meaning is during the time NOT as a result.
    1. The owl paddled, so the monkey slept. This punctuation is fine. But I see
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Thanks.

I try to use the word therefore to avoid my uncertainty when punctuating the word 'so'; however, 'therefore' used with a semicolon and a comma can disrupt the flow of a sentence- highlighting my quandary!!!

I am beginning to believe it may be a matter of personal preference. I have websites telling me that 'so' is a part of FANBOYS- the seven coordinating conjunctions, wh
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Hi,
If they are causing you a bit of trouble, you might find it simpler never to use semi-colons. I never do.

I do agree with you that in this case, 'it rained, so I got wet' so means as a result <<< Yes and is basically synonmous with 'during the time'

I fail to see that this sen
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Sorry, I made it unclear.

I was refering to this:

So is a coordinating conjunction when its meaning is during the time NOT as a result.
The owl paddled, so the monkey slept. This punctuation is fine. But I see this as meaning 'and as a result'.
It's the same as 'It rained, so I got wet'.

I agree with what you have said-
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Hi,

So, you have no more questions about this?

Clive
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Hi,

Yes, that is all thanks. I think the variety of answers I have received on this issue suggests that flexibility is permissible. I will probably refrain from using the semicolon to join the two clauses when 'so' means therefore or as a result. I think I will utilise the conventional methods where a comma is used regardless of what so means. That is, I will use a comma in all three case
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Hi,
If I feel that punctuation is required, I usually just use a comma. In the case of 'therefore', I'd usually use a period or 'and'.

Clive
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I'm inclinded to agree. It works like a run-on sentence if you add a comma.
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I'm confused. Are you saying I got up so she could take my seat needs a comma?
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Hi,
Do you mean you got up in order that she could take your seat?
eg You were being polite to her..

Or do you mean you got up, and the result was that she could take your seat .
eg Maybe you
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