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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Using so

Hello,

I am wondering about the order of words when we use 'so' to stress something. For instance: He pondered over the reason for so violent a murder. He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent. (There are two ways using so. Are both of them common?)

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Anonymous He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent. Only the latter seems to work with a slight revision. He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent (that is beyond comprehension).

— Dimsumexpress

  • Anonymous He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent.
  • Only the latter seems to work with a slight revision.
  • He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent (that is beyond comprehension).
  • In this context, So & tha t are supposed to be paired up to form a reason.
  • e.
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6 Answers
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AnonymousHe pondered over the reason for a murder so violent.
Only the latter seems to work with a slight revision.
He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent (that is beyond comprehension).

In this context, So & that are supposed to be paired up to form a reason.
i.e. I am so hungry that I can eat
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I think both of the originals are fine.

You look so happy!
What has made you so happy?
He pondered what to do in response to so grave an offense.
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Grammar GeekHe pondered what to do in response to so grave an offense.
Hi GG,
I'd think this sounds a bit formal?
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It's a bit formal, but it's not odd and it is correct.
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AnonymousHello,I am wondering about the order of words when we use 'so' to stress something. For instance: He pondered over the reason for so violent a murder. He pondered over the reason for a murder so violent. (There are two ways using so. Are both of them common?)Thank you.
The first strikes me as more natural in ordinary conversation. The second strikes
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CalifJimHe pondered over the reason for such a violent murder.
I actually find this one flows very well![Y]
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