1. "So" as an Adverb of Degree:
* It was so cold outside, I could see my breath. (Describing the intensity of the coldness)
* She was so tired she fell asleep at the dinner table. (Describing the intensity of her tiredness)
* The movie was so good, I want to see it again. (Describing the intensity of the movie's quality)
2. "So" as a Conjunction:
* I was tired, so I went to bed early. (Connecting two clauses, showing a cause and effect relationship)
* He didn't study, so he failed the test. (Connecting two clauses, showing a cause and effect relationship)
* It's raining, so we'll have to cancel the picnic. (Connecting two clauses, showing a cause and effect relationship)
3. "So" as a Pronoun:
* "That's not fair!" she exclaimed. "That's so unfair!" (Referencing a previously mentioned idea, "unfair")
* "This is so good," he said, taking another bite. (Referencing a previously mentioned quality, "good")
* "I'm so grateful," she said, her eyes shining with tears. (Referencing a previously mentioned feeling, "grateful")
4. "So" in Set Phrases:
* So long! (A common farewell phrase)
* So what? (A dismissive expression)
* I'm so sorry! (Expressing sincere apology)
Important Note:
* Be careful not to overuse "so". It can make your writing sound repetitive or informal.
* Sometimes, "so" can be replaced with other, stronger words, such as "therefore", "consequently", "as a result", or "because" to improve clarity and sophistication.