"thats why" or "So what"

Question

Hi,Need to know whether using "thats why" or "So what" is apt in the following sentence  OR both can be used.I could not call you, "thats why" i sent an email.I could not call you, "so what" i sent an email.RegardsJil

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Hi Jil, Welcome to English Forums. Thanks for joining us.

"So what?" is almost always intended as a rude, confrontational remark. "Hey, you just spilled hot coffee on my dress!" (reply) "So what?" (What if I did? What are you gonna do about it?)

"That's why" is sometimes intended as a rude remark. "Why are you so mean to me?" (reply) "Because you're ugly, that's why!" /// "Why do you always have to be the boss?" (reply) (Punches him in the face) "That's why!"

Your first example could be a little bit contentious, depending on the rest of the conversation. If the person who received the email is complaining about it, "That's why" could be delivered as a challenge. The tone in which it's said can make a lot of difference. Are these intended as complete sentences?? If this is exactly what the person said, it's probably okay.

Your second example is definitely confrontational. Somebody wants to pick a fight. "So what?" rejects the other person's argument out of hand. It has the flavor of, "This is what I did; there's nothing wrong with it. I'm not going to discuss it."

Some people are naturally rude and vulgar and speak this way to their friends all the time. That's why more context is necessary to decide how it all fits.

- A.

Mister Micawber · Answer

.
Hello, Jil-- and welcome to English Forums.

Only this is correct: I could not call you; that's why I sent an email.
The 2nd would be correct if you changed it to this: I could not call you, so I sent an email.
.

Jilpangs · Answer

Thanks All

"thats why" or "So what"

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions