1. Showing Cause and Effect:
* The rain was heavy, so we stayed inside. (The rain caused us to stay inside.)
* I was tired, so I went to bed early. (My tiredness caused me to go to bed early.)
2. Showing Contrast:
* She wanted to go to the party, but she was sick, so she stayed home. (Despite wanting to go, she stayed home due to her illness.)
* The food was delicious, so the restaurant was packed. (The delicious food led to a crowded restaurant.)
3. Adding Information:
* I went to the store, and I bought some milk, so I could make breakfast. (Adding the information that you bought milk explains why you went to the store.)
* She was late to work, so she took the bus instead of driving. (Adding the information about taking the bus explains why she was late.)
4. Making a Request or Suggestion:
* It's getting late, so we should go home. (A suggestion based on the time.)
* You're tired, so why don't you take a nap? (A suggestion based on their tiredness.)
5. Expressing a Result:
* He studied hard, so he passed the exam. (The result of studying hard was passing the exam.)
* The team played well, so they won the championship. (The result of playing well was winning the championship.)
Remember that "so" is often used to connect two independent clauses. However, it can also be used with a dependent clause in certain cases, especially when expressing a consequence.