So vs. But — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 14, 2024

"So" often implies causation or reason, indicating a conclusion or result, while "but" introduces a contrast or exception, highlighting differences or opposing ideas.

Difference Between So and But

Key Differences

"So" is commonly used to introduce a consequence or result based on the information previously mentioned, whereas "but" is used to introduce a contradiction or contrasting idea that deviates from the initial thought.

In writing, "so" serves as a coordinating conjunction that links clauses together in a cause-and-effect relationship, while "but" also functions as a coordinating conjunction that links clauses but emphasizes a contrast or exception.

"So" can simplify complex relationships by summarizing the outcome of situations, whereas "but" complicates the narrative by introducing new, often conflicting information.

When "so" is used, it often requires the reader to understand the logical sequence leading to the conclusion, on the other hand, "but" requires understanding of differences or discrepancies between two statements.

Speakers use "so" to conclude or provide a logical end to an argument, whereas "but" is used to add more information that might change the perspective or challenge the preceding point.

Comparison Chart

Function

Indicates consequence or result

Introduces contrast or exception

Usage in Sentence

Connects cause and effect

Shows opposition or contrast

Effect on Narrative

Simplifies by concluding

Complicates by contrasting

Reader's Understanding

Logical sequence needed

Awareness of discrepancies

Typical Position in Clause

Beginning or middle

Middle or beginning

Compare with Definitions

So

Used to indicate a conclusion from the facts presented.

It was late, so I decided to leave.

But

Used to introduce something contrasting with what has been previously stated.

I wanted to go, but it was raining.

So

Serves to continue an earlier point.

I think, so I am.

But

Implies an exception.

Everyone but Sam was invited.

So

Expresses the extent or degree.

It was so cold outside.

But

Connects two ideas where the second stands in opposition to the first.

She is small but strong.

So

To such a great extent

Don't look so worried

The words tumbled out so fast that I could barely hear them

I'm not so foolish as to say that

But

Introduces a pause before a statement.

But, well, that's another story.

So

To the same extent (used in comparisons)

He isn't so bad as you'd think

Help without which he would not have done so well

But

Acts as a bridge to present an alternative.

It's not this but that.

So

Referring back to something previously mentioned.

But

On the contrary

The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.

So

In the way described or demonstrated; thus

So it was that he was still a bachelor

Hold your arms so

But

Contrary to expectation; yet

She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.

So

And for this reason; therefore

You know I'm telling the truth, so don't interrupt

It was still painful so I went to see a specialist

But

Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception

No one but she saw the prowler.

So

With the aim that; in order that

They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear

But

With the exception that; except that. Often used with that

Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.

Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.

So

And then; as the next step

And so to the final

But

(Informal) Without the result that

It never rains but it pours.

So

Introducing a question

So, what did you do today?

But

(Informal) That. Often used after a negative

There is no doubt but right will prevail.

So

Introducing a statement which is followed by a defensive comment

So I like keeping track of things—what's wrong with that?

But

That ... not. Used after a negative or question

There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.

So

Introducing a concluding statement

So that's that

But

(Informal) Than

They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.

So

In the same way; correspondingly

Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good

But

Usage Problem Except.

So

Variant spelling of soh

But

Merely; just; only

Hopes that lasted but a moment.

So

To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent

She was so happy that she cried.

But

Used as an intensive

Get out of here but fast!.

So

To a great extent; to such an evident degree

But the idea is so obvious.

But

A concern or objection

My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.

So

Afterward; then

To the gas station and so home.

But

Apart from, except (for), excluding.

Everyone but Father left early.

I like everything but that.

Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.

So

Used to preface a remark or signal a new subject

So what happened here? So I'm going to the store to buy some milk.

But

Outside of.

Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.

So

In the same way; likewise

You were on time, and so was I.

But

Merely, only, just, no more than

Christmas comes but once a year.

So

Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm

So you think you've got troubles?.

But

Though, however.

I'll have to go home early but.

So

In truth; indeed; assuredly

"You aren't right." "I am so!".

But

, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.

She is very old but still attractive.

You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.

So

(Informal) Used as an intensive, especially with verbs or verb phrases

They want to move in with us, but that is so not going to happen.

But

, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.

I am not rich but [I am] poor.

Not John but Peter went there.

So

In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus

Hold the brush so.

But

(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.

But I never said you could do that!

So

True; factual

I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.

But

Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".

I cannot but feel offended.

So

In good order

Everything on his desk must be exactly so.

But

(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.

Wow! But that's amazing!

So

For that reason; therefore

This is the easiest way to get there, so don't argue.

But

(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).

It never rains but it pours.

So

With the result or consequence that

He failed to appear, so we went on without him.

But

(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.

So

With the purpose that

I stayed so I could see you.

But

(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.

So

Used to express surprise or comprehension

So! You've finished your work at last.

But

(obsolete) Until.

So

Variant of sol1.

But

That.

So

Reduced form of 'so that', used to express purpose; in order that.

I got an earlier train to work so I'd have plenty of time to prepare for the meeting.

Eat your broccoli so you can have dessert.

But

An instance or example of using the word "but".

It has to be done – no ifs or buts.

So

With the result that; for that reason; therefore.

I was hungry, so I asked if there was any more food.

He ate too much cake, so he fell ill.

He wanted a book, so he went to the library.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” ― “So go!”

But

(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.

So

Used to connect previous conversation or events to the following question.

So how does this story end?

But

A limit; a boundary.

So

Used to introduce a rhetorical question.

“We'd like to visit but I don't know if we can afford a hotel.” — “So who's staying in a hotel? Stay with us.”

But

The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.

So

(archaic) Provided that; on condition that, as long as.

But

(archaic) Use the word "but".

But me no buts.

So

To the (explicitly stated) extent that.

It was so hot outside that all the plants died.

He was so good, they hired him on the spot.

But

Except with; unless with; without.

So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.

Touch not the cat but a glove.

So

(informal) To the (implied) extent.

I need a piece of cloth so long. [= this long]

There are only so many hours in a day.

But

Except; besides; save.

Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?

So

(informal) Very (positive clause).

I feel so much better now.

I so nearly lost my temper.

But

Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.

And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.

So

(informal) Very (negative clause).

It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]

But

Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.

It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.

There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.

So

Very much.

But I so want to see the Queen when she visits our town!

That is so not true!

But

Only; solely; merely.

Observe but how their own principles combat one another.

If they kill us, we shall but die.

A formidable man but to his friends.

So

In a particular manner.

Place the napkin on the table just so. If that's what you mean, then say so; (or do so).

But

On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.

Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.

But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.

So

In the same manner or to the same extent as aforementioned; also.

Just as you have the right to your free speech, so I have the right to mine.

Many people say she's the world's greatest athlete, but I don't think so.

"I can count backwards from one hundred." "So can I."

‘There're another two.’ ‘So there are.’

But

The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.

So

To such an extent or degree; as.

So far as;

So long as;

So much as

But

A limit; a boundary.

So

True, accurate.

That is so.

You are responsible for this, is that not so?

But

The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.

So

In that state or manner; with that attribute. A proadjective that replaces the aforementioned adjective phrase.

But

And nothing more;

I was merely asking

It is simply a matter of time

Just a scratch

He was only a child

Hopes that last but a moment

So

Homosexual.

Is he so?

So

Used after a pause for thought to introduce a new topic, question or story, or a new thought or question in continuation of an existing topic.

So, let's go home.

So, what'll you have?

So, there was this squirrel stuck in the chimney...

So, everyone wants to know – did you win the contest or not?

So

Used as a question to ask for further explanation of something said, often rhetorically or in a dismissive or impolite manner.

"You park your car in front of my house every morning." — "So?"

So

Used as a meaningless filler word to begin a response to a question.

What are you doing? / So I'm just fixing this shelf.

What time does the train leave? / So it leaves at 10 o'clock.

So

(archaic) Be as you are; stand still; used especially to cows; also used by sailors.

So

In that manner or degree; as, indicated (in any way), or as implied, or as supposed to be known.

Why is his chariot so long in coming?

So

In like manner or degree; in the same way; thus; for like reason; whith equal reason; - used correlatively, following as, to denote comparison or resemblance; sometimes, also, following inasmuch as.

As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in.

So

In such manner; to such degree; - used correlatively with as or that following; as, he was so fortunate as to escape.

I viewed in may mind, so far as I was able, the beginning and progress of a rising world.

He is very much in Sir Roger's esteem, so that he lives in the family rather as a relation than dependent.

So

Very; in a high degree; that is, in such a degree as can not well be expressed; as, he is so good; he planned so wisely.

So

In the same manner; as has been stated or suggested; in this or that condition or state; under these circumstances; in this way; - with reflex reference to something just asserted or implied; used also with the verb to be, as a predicate.

Use him [your tutor] with great respect yourself, and cause all your family to do so too.

It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire into those matters, whether they be so or not.

He is Sir Robert's son, and so art thou.

So

The case being such; therefore; on this account; for this reason; on these terms; - used both as an adverb and a conjuction.

God makes him in his own image an intellectual creature, and so capable of dominion.

Here, then, exchange we mutually forgiveness;So may the guilt of all my broken vows,My perjuries to thee, be all forgotten.

So

It is well; let it be as it is, or let it come to pass; - used to express assent.

And when 't is writ, for my sake read it over,And if it please you, so; if not, why, so.

There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself.

So

Well; the fact being as stated; - used as an expletive; as, so the work is done, is it?

So

Is it thus? do you mean what you say? - with an upward tone; as, do you say he refuses? So?

So

About the number, time, or quantity specified; thereabouts; more or less; as, I will spend a week or so in the country; I have read only a page or so.

A week or so will probably reconcile us.

So do, as thou hast said.

As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Had woman been so strong as men.

No country suffered so much as England.

So

Provided that; on condition that; in case that; if.

Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose play upon the earth, so truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength.

So

Be as you are; stand still; stop; that will do; right as you are; - a word used esp. to cows; also used by sailors.

So

The syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization

So

Conforming to truth;

I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so

A truthful statement

So

Marked by system; in good order;

Everything is in order

His books are always just so

Things must be exactly so

So

To a very great extent or degree;

The idea is so obvious

Never been so happy

I love you so

My head aches so!

So

In order that;

He stooped down so he could pick up his hat

So

In such a condition or manner, especially as expressed or implied;

They're happy and I hope they will remain so

So live your life that old age will bring no regrets

So

To a certain unspecified extent or degree;

I can only go so far with this student

Can do only so much in a day

So

In the same way; also;

I was offended and so was he

Worked hard and so did she

So

In the way indicated;

Hold the brush so

Set up the pieces thus

So

(usually followed by `that') to an extent or degree as expressed;

He was so tired he could hardly stand

So dirty that it smells

So

Subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors);

Then he left

Go left first, then right

First came lightning, then thunder

We watched the late movie and then went to bed

And so home and to bed

So

In truth (often tends to intensify);

They said the car would break down and indeed it did

It is very cold indeed

Was indeed grateful

Indeed, the rain may still come

He did so do it!

So

Functions as a casual lead-in to a statement.

So, what's next?

So

Acts as a filler or hesitator in speech.

So, um, I was saying...

Common Curiosities

Can "so" and "but" be used interchangeably?

No, "so" and "but" serve different purposes in connecting ideas and cannot be used interchangeably.

How does "but" affect the flow of conversation?

"But" introduces a break in the flow by presenting contrasting or additional information that may alter the direction of the discussion.

What are some common mistakes when using "so" and "but"?

A common mistake is overusing "so" to start sentences, which can make writing seem informal or disjointed, and using "but" when "and" might be more appropriate, leading to unnecessary contrast.

How does "but" contrast with "so"?

"But" introduces a contrast or exception, highlighting an opposing idea or contradiction.

What is the primary function of "so" in a sentence?

"So" primarily functions to indicate a consequence or result derived from an earlier statement.

In what type of arguments is "so" most effectively used?

"So" is most effective in arguments that are built on cause-and-effect reasoning.

What is the grammatical role of "but"?

"But" acts as a coordinating conjunction linking independent clauses that contrast with each other.

Is "so" used in formal writing?

Yes, "so" is used in formal writing but should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid causal ambiguity.

Can "but" start a sentence?

Yes, starting a sentence with "but" is acceptable in modern English, particularly in informal and some academic writing styles.

Why might a writer choose "but" instead of "however"?

A writer might choose "but" over "however" for brevity or to maintain the conversational tone, as "however" is typically more formal and used in more complex constructions.

Share via Social Media

Embed This Content

Embed Code

Share Directly via Messenger

Link

Previous Comparison

Liquid vs. Fluid

Next Comparison

Abugida vs. Alphabet

Author Spotlight

Written by

Maham Liaqat

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.