Structures with so

So means to such an extent. So is often used when we are talking about a very high degree of some quality. So can be used in most situations where very is also possible.

• Why are you so unkind?
• He is so stupid.

So is not used with adjective + noun.

• She is such a beautiful girl. (NOT She is a so beautiful girl.)

So can be followed directly by that-clauses. Structures with very are not possible in this case.

• He was so ill that we had to call a doctor. (NOT He was very ill that we had to call a doctor.)

So far means as far as this.

• Now that we have come so far, we may as well go all the way. (= Now that we have come as far as this, we may as well go all the way.)

So long as means on condition that

• You may borrow the book, so long as you keep it clean.

So far from means instead of

• So far from helping us, he hindered our progress. (= Instead of helping us, he hindered our progress.)

So as to means in order to.

• I will hurry, so as to not delay you.

So can be used instead of a word or phrase.

• I told you so! (= That is what I told you.)

In constructions like the following so can mean also.

• He is learning English and so am I. (Note the inverted word order after so.)

So can also mean therefore.

• She asked me to go, so I went.