So vs. Thus — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
"So" indicates cause or intensity, e.g., "I was tired, so I went to sleep," focusing on the effect or degree. "Thus" suggests logical conclusion or result, e.g., "The roads were icy; thus, the school was closed," emphasizing a formal or reasoned outcome.
Difference Between So and Thus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"So" is commonly used to introduce a reason or explanation for an action, highlighting a cause-effect relationship. Whereas "thus" serves to present a conclusion that logically follows from a stated situation or argument.
"So" can also express a degree or extent to which something is true, adding emphasis to an adjective or adverb, e.g., "The movie was so exciting." This usage underscores intensity or emotion rather than causation. On the other hand, "thus" does not share this function of expressing intensity. Instead, it remains focused on denoting logical outcomes, maintaining its role in constructing arguments or indicating effects that are a natural consequence of the preceding facts.
In spoken English, "so" is often used to start a sentence when the speaker is making a conclusion based on their thoughts or the conversation, e.g., "So, we should probably start heading back now." It serves to transition between ideas or actions. Meanwhile, "thus" rarely finds a place in casual conversation due to its formal tone
Both "so" and "thus" play crucial roles in English language to indicate relationships between ideas. However, their usage significantly differs based on formality, purpose, and context, with "so" leaning towards everyday speech and "thus" aligning with formal or academic writing.
Comparison Chart
Formality
Informal, used in everyday conversation
Formal, preferred in written, academic, or professional texts
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Function
Indicates cause and effect, or degree/intensity
Indicates logical conclusion or result
Usage Context
Broad, versatile in both spoken and written English
Mostly in formal or reasoned arguments
Example (Cause/Effect)
"I was hungry, so I ate an apple."
"The data was flawed, thus the experiment was inconclusive."
Compare with Definitions
So
To connect related thoughts.
I'm going to the store, so I can pick up some milk if you need.
Thus
To state a result formally.
The agreement was violated, thus terminating the contract.
So
To indicate extent or degree.
It was so cold outside.
Thus
To indicate a logical conclusion.
He was not there, thus I left.
So
Conjunction for cause and effect.
She was late, so we missed the bus.
Thus
In summarizing a point.
Thus, we see the importance of clear communication.
So
To introduce a result.
I forgot to set the alarm, so I woke up late.
Thus
As a way to introduce an inference.
Thus, the solution was incorrect.
So
As a filler in conversation.
So, what do you think?
Thus
To transition to a conclusion.
There were no witnesses; thus, the case was hard to prove.
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
Thus
In this manner
Lay the pieces out thus. See Usage Note at thusly.
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
Thus
To a stated degree or extent; so.
So
Referring back to something previously mentioned.
Thus
Therefore; consequently
Thus it was necessary for me to resign.
So
In the way described or demonstrated; thus
So it was that he was still a bachelor
Hold your arms so
Thus
For example
Few of the nation's largest cities are state capitals.
Thus neither New York nor Chicago is the seat of its state's government.
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
Thus
(manner) In this way or manner.
If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target.
So
With the aim that; in order that
They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear
Thus
(conjunctive) As a result.
I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic.
So
And then; as the next step
And so to the final
Thus
The commoner kind of frankincense, or that obtained from the Norway spruce, the long-leaved pine, and other conifers.
So
Introducing a question
So, what did you do today?
Thus
In this or that manner; on this wise.
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth.
So
Introducing a statement which is followed by a defensive comment
So I like keeping track of things—what's wrong with that?
Thus
To this degree or extent; so far; so; as, thus wise; thus peaceble; thus bold.
Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds.
So
Introducing a concluding statement
So that's that
Thus
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
So
In the same way; correspondingly
Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good
Thus
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
So
Variant spelling of soh
Thus
In the way indicated;
Hold the brush so
Set up the pieces thus
So
To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent
She was so happy that she cried.
So
To a great extent; to such an evident degree
But the idea is so obvious.
So
Afterward; then
To the gas station and so home.
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.
So
In the same way; likewise
You were on time, and so was I.
So
Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm
So you think you've got troubles?.
So
In truth; indeed; assuredly
"You aren't right." "I am so!".
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.
So
In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus
Hold the brush so.
So
True; factual
I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.
So
In good order
Everything on his desk must be exactly so.
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
Is "thus" only used in writing?
Mostly, but it can appear in very formal or academic spoken contexts.
Is "thus" more formal than "so"?
Yes, "thus" is considered more formal and is preferred in academic or professional writing.
Do "so" and "thus" have the same meaning?
They can both indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, but "thus" is more about logical conclusions, while "so" is broader, including intensity.
Can "so" and "thus" be used interchangeably?
Not always, as "so" is more casual and "thus" is formal, affecting their appropriate contexts.
Can "thus" express emotions or intensity?
No, "thus" focuses on logical conclusions without expressing intensity.
Does "thus" always follow a premise or argument?
Typically, yes, as it introduces conclusions drawn from a preceding argument or set of facts.
Is "thus" used to summarize points?
Yes, especially in written texts to indicate a logical summary or conclusion.
Can "so" be used to express a high degree of something?
Yes, "so" can express intensity, e.g., "It was so beautiful."
How does "so" function in a sentence?
It can indicate cause, effect, or degree/intensity, and sometimes serves as a transitional or filler word.
Is "so" appropriate for academic writing?
While it can be used, "thus" or other formal alternatives might be preferred for clarity and formality.
Can "so" start a sentence?
Yes, especially in conversational English or when summarizing a point.
Why is "thus" less common in spoken English?
Due to its formal tone, which makes it less suitable for casual conversation.
Can "so" link two independent clauses?
Yes, it often connects clauses to show cause and effect.
Why might someone choose "thus" over "so"?
To convey a sense of formality or precision in argumentation or reasoning.
How does context affect the choice between "so" and "thus"?
The level of formality, purpose of communication, and desired tone guide the choice; "so" for casual or broader reasoning, "thus" for formal or logical conclusions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
