* Traditional Grammar: Traditional grammar often states that "so" should be followed by a clause or phrase, not just a period. This rule is based on the idea that "so" acts as a conjunction connecting two clauses.
* Modern Usage: In modern English, ending sentences with "so" is becoming increasingly common, especially in casual conversation and informal writing. However, it's still considered less formal than ending with a more conclusive word or phrase.
Examples:
Less formal:
* "I was tired, so I went to bed."
* "The movie was boring, so I left."
More formal:
* "I was tired, and as a result, I went to bed."
* "The movie was boring, therefore, I left."
Tips:
* Consider your audience: If you're writing formally, avoid ending sentences with "so." If you're writing informally, it's generally okay.
* Check for clarity: Make sure the meaning of your sentence is clear even without a following clause. Sometimes, a different word or phrase might be better.
* Variety: Don't overuse "so" at the end of sentences.
In short, while ending a sentence with "so" isn't technically incorrect, it's usually better to avoid it in formal writing and strive for clarity and a more sophisticated style.