So...?

Question

I created a blog a month ago and now I am writing my posts in English.
However, I have this habit of using / typing the word 'so' a dozen of times. Can you suggest me any words to replace 'so', or any ideas on how I should change my sentences so that I won't be using too much of 'so'? Thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

It is a bad speaking habit which has transformed into a bad writing habit.  Simply omit using the word.

Anonymous · Answer

Guide to Modern English (copyright 1965) by Corbin, Blough, and Vander Beek agrees 100% with you, Brilliant Writer. "A foreign visitor [to the United States] ... might come to the conclusion that the conjunction so is the favorite American word."

The authors say that the repetition of this word is "unpleasant." They add that what is even worse is the "sameness in the writer's thinking."

*****

The book gives 6 sentences with "so," and how they could be rewritten. Just as you wish to do. The American copyright laws are very strict, but I think that I can quote three examples (since this website is dedicated to academic pursuits).

Our boss was a stickler for punctuality, so he checked on us fellows every day. Rewritten: Since our boss was a stickler for punctuality, he checked on us fellows every day.

We knew that we would be fined for every minute of tardiness, so we got to work on time. Rewritten: Knowing that we would be fined for every minute of tardiness, we got to work on time.

Last Monday the bus drivers were on strike, so they had to walk. Rewritten: Last Monday, because the bus drivers were on strike, they had to walk.

NOTE: I shortened some of the authors' sentences.

*****
If you do not have time to rewrite your sentences, but you definitely do not want to use "so" so much, I think that you could do this:

I have grammar questions, so I visit EnglishForward.
I have grammar questions; therefore, I visit EnglishForward.
I have grammar questions, and therefore I visit EnglishForward.
I have grammar questions, and consequently I visit EnglishForward.
I have grammar questions. Therefore, I visit EnglishForward.

HAVE A NICE DAY!

BrilliantWriter · Answer

Hello..
Thank you very much, James M. and Mister Micawber.
To re-write everything I have written in my blog will probably take some times, but I'll surely do that for my upcoming posts.

I use a lot of 'so' because I always feel like I still haven't explained enough about a particular thing to someone I am talking to or some times it is because I am expecting that they would understand where I am heading to in the conversation. Guess I'm wrong then.

Have a nice day too.

Mark Callan · Answer

Hi there. But remember, "so" has several uses,  which are ? This is a grammar question:

BrilliantWriter · Answer

Mark CallanBut remember, "so" has several uses, which are ?

Hi to you too, Mark Callan. Sorry, but I don't understand what you're saying. Could you please explain more?
Do you mean, "so" is also used for asking question?
Because your last sentence seems unfinished > "This is a grammar question: "
Thank you

Mark Callan · Answer

Hi there, it's a question of grammar. not the answer. Apart from that, if you want so in a question. "So you want to eat pizza, don't you?" "I can't because I'm so full" So, if you have any doubts, let me know. PS It was so hot here today

Mister Micawber · Answer

"So you want to eat pizza, don't you?" "I can't because I'm so full" So, if you have any doubts, let me know. PS It was so hot here today.— and in case you haven't noticed, Brilliant Writer, this is far too many 'so's!

BrilliantWriter · Answer

Hihihi, okay, now I understand.

Thank you.

Mister Micawberand in case you haven't noticed, Brilliant Writer, this is far too many 'so's!

Yup, it is!

Mark Callan · Answer

Quite so!

So...?

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