So vs. However — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
"So" indicates a consequence or result, whereas "However" introduces a contrast or exception.
Difference Between So and However
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"So" is primarily used as a conjunction or adverb to imply causation or a sequence of events leading to a result. It denotes that one statement or action directly leads to the outcome mentioned. For instance, "It was raining, so the event was canceled," clearly illustrates that the rain caused the event's cancellation. On the other hand, "However" serves as a transitional adverb used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies the preceding sentence. It highlights a difference or exception, as in "The project was challenging; however, the team completed it on time," pointing out the contrast between the project's difficulty and the team's timely completion.
"So" suggests a logical flow from cause to effect, highlighting a natural progression or consequence. It often sets up expectations for outcomes directly related to the actions or situations described earlier. In contrast, "However" prepares the reader or listener for a shift in direction, indicating that the upcoming information will present a contrast or exception to what was previously stated.
Understanding the distinction between "so" and "however" is crucial for clear communication, especially in written texts where the logical flow of ideas and the relationships between them must be explicitly stated. "So" encourages the listener or reader to anticipate a conclusion or outcome based on the given cause, while "However" signals a need to reconsider or view the preceding information in light of a contrasting point.
Though both words play pivotal roles in constructing logical and coherent narratives or arguments, their correct use ensures the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. Misusing "so" and "however" can lead to confusion about the relationship between ideas or events, potentially misleading the audience about the cause-effect or contrastive nature of the statement.
Comparison Chart
Function
Conjunction/Adverb
Transitional adverb
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Indicates
Cause and effect, consequence
Contrast, exception
Common Usage
To show a result or outcome
To introduce a contrasting statement
Example
"It was cold, so I wore a jacket."
"I wanted to go, however, I was sick."
Effect on Flow
Continues or concludes a line of thought
Signals a shift or pivot in the discussion
Compare with Definitions
So
Therefore, resulting in.
He forgot his umbrella, so he got wet in the rain.
However
Despite this.
The journey was difficult; however, it was worth it.
So
Leading to a result or conclusion.
She was the top candidate, so she got the job.
However
Introducing a contrast.
I like the plan; however, I think it's too expensive.
So
To such a great extent.
The book was so interesting that I read it in one sitting.
However
Used to modify a statement.
She's very fast; however, accuracy is more important.
So
Used to introduce a consequence.
The team practiced hard, so they won the game.
However
Showing limitation.
This method works well; however, it's not foolproof.
So
Expressing a purpose.
I saved money so I could buy a new computer.
However
Introducing an opposing idea.
He wanted to quit; however, he decided to stay.
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
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
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
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
So
Referring back to something previously mentioned.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
So
In the way described or demonstrated; thus
So it was that he was still a bachelor
Hold your arms so
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
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
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
So
With the aim that; in order that
They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
So
And then; as the next step
And so to the final
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
So
Introducing a question
So, what did you do today?
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
So
Introducing a statement which is followed by a defensive comment
So I like keeping track of things—what's wrong with that?
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
So
Introducing a concluding statement
So that's that
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
So
In the same way; correspondingly
Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
So
Variant spelling of soh
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
So
To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent
She was so happy that she cried.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
So
To a great extent; to such an evident degree
But the idea is so obvious.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
So
Afterward; then
To the gas station and so home.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
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.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
So
In the same way; likewise
You were on time, and so was I.
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
So
Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm
So you think you've got troubles?.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
So
In truth; indeed; assuredly
"You aren't right." "I am so!".
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
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.
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
So
In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus
Hold the brush so.
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
So
True; factual
I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
So
In good order
Everything on his desk must be exactly so.
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
So
For that reason; therefore
This is the easiest way to get there, so don't argue.
So
With the result or consequence that
He failed to appear, so we went on without him.
So
With the purpose that
I stayed so I could see you.
So
Used to express surprise or comprehension
So! You've finished your work at last.
So
Variant of sol1.
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.
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!”
So
Used to connect previous conversation or events to the following question.
So how does this story end?
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.”
So
(archaic) Provided that; on condition that, as long as.
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.
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.
So
(informal) Very (positive clause).
I feel so much better now.
I so nearly lost my temper.
So
(informal) Very (negative clause).
It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]
So
Very much.
But I so want to see the Queen when she visits our town!
That is so not true!
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).
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.’
So
To such an extent or degree; as.
So far as;
So long as;
So much as
So
True, accurate.
That is so.
You are responsible for this, is that not so?
So
In that state or manner; with that attribute. A proadjective that replaces the aforementioned adjective phrase.
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
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!
Common Curiosities
When should I use "so"?
Use "so" when you want to indicate a consequence, result, or purpose following from a previous statement.
Is "however" always used for contradictions?
"However" is primarily used for contradictions or contrasts, but it can also introduce any form of exception or qualification to a previous statement.
Can "so" and "however" be used interchangeably?
No, due to their different functions in indicating consequence or contrast, they cannot be used interchangeably without altering the meaning of a sentence.
Is it correct to use "so" for logical conclusions in academic writing?
Yes, but it's often preferable to use more formal alternatives like "therefore" or "thus" in academic texts.
How do "so" and "however" affect the tone of a text?
"So" can make a text feel more connected and cohesive by linking cause and effect, while "however" can introduce complexity and depth by highlighting contrasts or exceptions.
Can "so" indicate intensity?
Yes, "so" can also be used to indicate a degree of intensity, as in "so cold" or "so quickly."
When is "however" appropriate?
"However" is appropriate when introducing a contrast, exception, or qualifying statement that modifies or opposes what was stated before.
Can "so" and "however" start a sentence?
Yes, both can start a sentence, especially in formal writing, to introduce a result or contrast, but they should be followed by a comma when starting a sentence.
Can "however" link two independent clauses?
Yes, "however" can link two independent clauses, but it should be preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma in such cases.
Do "so" and "however" have synonyms?
Yes, "so" can be replaced with "therefore" or "thus" in formal contexts, and "however" can be substituted with "nevertheless" or "but."
How does punctuation differ when using "so" and "however"?
"So" typically does not require special punctuation when used as a conjunction, but "however" often needs a comma when it functions as a transitional adverb, especially at the beginning of a sentence.
How do I choose between "so" and "however"?
Consider the relationship you wish to express between your ideas: use "so" for cause-effect relationships and "however" for introducing contrasts or exceptions.
Can the use of "so" or "however" change the meaning of a sentence?
Absolutely. Choosing between "so" and "however" can significantly change the relationship between ideas in a sentence, affecting its overall meaning.
Is "so" used in informal contexts more than "however"?
"So" is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while "however" is typically used in more formal or academic writing.
Are there any cases where "so" and "however" might seem similar?
While their core meanings are distinct, in conversational contexts, they might be used in close proximity when transitioning from explaining a situation (with "so") to introducing a contrasting viewpoint or outcome (with "however").
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
