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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

What's the difference between really and so ?

Hi,

What's the difference between really and so in the examples?
1.I'm so sorry to be late.
I'm really sorry to be late.

2. I'm so glad you're here.
I'm really glad you're here.

Thank you
  

Top answer

Consider these very simple examples.. Assume it's raining. Tom is wet.

— Clive

  • Consider these very simple examples..
  • Assume it's raining.
  • Tom is wet.
  • Tom is very wet.
  • Tom is really wet .
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6 Answers
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Consider these very simple examples..
Assume it's raining.

Tom is wet.
Tom is very wet.
Tom is really wet. This is another way of saying 'very'.

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Hi Clive,
I hear 'I'm so glad...' or ' I'm so sorry!' more often than 'I'm very glad' or 'I'm very sorry' on TV shows. It seems that 'so' in these cases is more common to use in spoken English. Is there any reason to explain in such situations?

Thank you
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Clivemany people do not accept this usage
Apparently the Merriam-Webster people aren't among them.
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CalifJimWe are all so excited about the trip.I'm so happy that you decided to join us for dinner.CJ
Hi CJ,
Could you please explain the subtle differences between very, really and so used in the cases above?
Thanks!
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AnonymousCould you please explain the subtle differences between very, really and so used in the cases above?
Everyone has a different impression of how words may differ in subtle ways. I can only give you a rough idea of how I see these. Others may have different impressions.

very is fairly neutral. We're very excited. I'm very happy.
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CalifJimreally is more enthusiastic and extroverted. We're really excited. I'm really happy.so is not as enthusiastic, but shows the speaker's warmer inner feelings toward the idea. We're so excited. I'm so happy.
Hi CJ,
I can't figure out the difference in meaning between enthusiastic and warmer inner feelings as you said here? Could you please shed light
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