so vs then

The words 'so' and 'then' have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'So' is often used to indicate a consequence or reason, while 'then' is used to show a sequence of events or actions. They are not interchangeable, and the choice between them depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 885 views

The word 'so' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a consequence, reason, or manner.

"so"

Use 'so' to introduce a consequence or reason, to emphasize a point, or to show the manner in which something is done.

Examples:

I was tired, so I went to bed early.
She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
He spoke softly, so as not to wake the baby.
I like ice cream, so I bought a cone.
It was raining, so we decided to stay indoors.

Show examples from the web [+]

But that wall is so big, so well-maintained, so solid, so powerful, so intimidating, so indestructible, so gray.
They're all so sanctimonious... so judgmental.
We packed all our clothes, so I guess so.
George is so academic and Nathaniel was so...
He seemed so lonely, so helpless and shy.
Life is so wonderful, so fleeting and precious.
Everything's so ugly and yet so comfortable.
I was so, so nervous about seeing you.
She has been so understanding, so sympathetic.
I haven't worked so hard for so little money since Afghanistan.
Never had the schoolmaster felt so melancholy, so utterly alone.
You all look so handsome, so grown-up.
She was just so flippant, so comfortable around us.
I am so so So so sorry.
We are so so so sorry about last night.
Was so premeditated, so cold-blooded.
Nothing so important changes so quickly.
Never was someone so tortured for so long, so needlessly.
Seemed so implausible that someone so careful could be so careless.
I think what we have is so, so, so, so, so, so special.

Alternatives:

therefore
thus
consequently
hence
as a result

The word 'then' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a sequence of events or actions.

"then"

Use 'then' to show a chronological order of events, to indicate what happens next, or to introduce a consequence.

Examples:

I finished my homework, then I went to bed.
She ate breakfast, then she went for a walk.
First, we need to prepare the ingredients, then we can start cooking.
If you press this button, then the machine will start.
He apologized, then he left the room.

Show examples from the web [+]

Overlapping responsibilities default to federal, then to state.
File was e-mailed and then erased.
Have to charge her double then.
Well then, then they've left town.
I used conditioned response, then environmental enhancement.
And then Friday, then Saturday.
Shower and then nap and then warehouse.
Korea first, then German elections, then commercial television.
First, they restore power, then communication, then transportation.
Tina then started jacking them. Charlie then landed one weighing 5 pounds.
But then he began to exaggerate, and then...
Since then sends the state aircraft around and then throwing bombs at the wrong party.
I like how the lines just go straight and then up and then down and then straight and then up and then down.
First it was Ben, then Ricky, then Ben, then some weird guy, then Ben, then Ricky.
But then we had our first argument, and then another one, and then another one, and...
You know, first her, then you, then her, then me.
Maytag fridges: Press Options, then Water Filter, then Reset, and then Yes.
And then she's hitting him, he's defending himself, And then she gets a knife, And then...
So one piece led to two, then three, then five, then 17.
First two people know, then four, then eight, then 16.

Alternatives:

next
after that
subsequently
following that
in that case

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

so vs then

"so"

"then"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text