So vs. Very — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
"So" amplifies the degree or introduces a result (e.g., "so cold"), while "very" intensifies adjectives without implying a result (e.g., "very cold").
Difference Between So and Very
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Key Differences
"So" is often used to enhance the degree of an adjective to an extreme level that leads to a consequence, as in "It was so hot that we decided to leave the beach." Whereas "very" intensifies the adjective without suggesting any outcome, exemplified by "It was very hot, but we stayed for hours."
In grammar, "so" can function as an adverb, conjunction, or pronoun, adapting to different contexts like "I think so" or "So, what's next?" On the other hand, "very" is primarily used as an adverb to modify adjectives and other adverbs, as in "very nice" or "very quickly."
"So" is versatile in colloquial speech, forming part of expressions like "not so fast" or "so far, so good," which add idiomatic meaning. Whereas "very" sticks to its role of emphasis without veering into idiomatic usage, maintaining a straightforward enhancement in phrases like "very well" or "very likely."
In questions and answers, "so" is used to confirm or emphasize a previous statement ("So, you're coming?"), whereas "very" has no such function, focusing solely on emphasizing characteristics ("He is very tall").
When used for comparisons, "so" is paired with "as" or "that" to introduce clauses ("not so much as", "so that"), while "very" remains uninvolved in comparative structures, simply providing emphasis without connecting clauses.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Can be an adverb, conjunction, or pronoun
Primarily an adverb
Usage in Outcome
Implies a result or condition
Does not imply a result or condition
Idiomatic Expressions
Common in idioms ("so far, so good")
Rarely part of idioms
Intensity
Often indicates a high degree leading to a consequence
Simply increases intensity without consequences
Usage in Questions
Can be used to confirm or inquire ("So?")
Not used in questioning
Compare with Definitions
So
As an adverb to indicate degree.
It was so cold we couldn't stay outside.
Very
As an adverb to intensify adjectives.
She was very excited about the trip.
So
As a conjunction linking cause and effect.
It rained, so we canceled the picnic.
Very
Rarely as an adjective in formal contexts ("the very heart of the city").
This is the very place we met.
So
As a pronoun replacing a previously mentioned idea.
You think so?
Very
To emphasize exclusivity or specificity.
He is the very best in his field.
So
To introduce a statement or question.
So, what's the plan?
Very
To strengthen adverbs.
He ran very quickly to catch the bus.
So
In informal usage to express agreement or understanding.
So, you'll handle this?
Very
In fixed expressions to emphasize certainty.
That's very true.
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
Very
In a high degree; extremely
Very happy.
Very much admired.
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
Very
Truly; absolutely
The very best advice.
Attended the very same schools.
So
Referring back to something previously mentioned.
Very
Very Used in titles
The Very Reverend Jane Smith.
So
In the way described or demonstrated; thus
So it was that he was still a bachelor
Hold your arms so
Very
Complete; absolute
At the very end of his career.
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
Very
Being the same; identical
That is the very question she asked yesterday.
So
With the aim that; in order that
They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear
Very
Being particularly suitable or appropriate
The very item needed to increase sales.
So
And then; as the next step
And so to the final
Very
Used to emphasize the importance of what is specified
The very mountains shook.
So
Introducing a question
So, what did you do today?
Very
Being nothing more than what is specified; mere
The very act of riding in the car made him dizzy.
So
Introducing a statement which is followed by a defensive comment
So I like keeping track of things—what's wrong with that?
Very
(Archaic) Genuine; true
"Like very sanctity, she did approach" (Shakespeare).
So
Introducing a concluding statement
So that's that
Very
(literary) True, real, actual.
The fierce hatred of a very woman.
The very blood and bone of our grammar.
He tried his very best.
We're approaching the very end of the trip.
So
In the same way; correspondingly
Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good
Very
The same; identical.
He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.
That's the very tool that I need.
So
Variant spelling of soh
Very
With limiting effect: mere.
So
To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent
She was so happy that she cried.
Very
To a great extent or degree.
That dress is very you.
Not very many (of them) had been damaged.
She's very like her mother.
‘Is she busy?’ ― ‘Not very.’
So
To a great extent; to such an evident degree
But the idea is so obvious.
Very
Conforming to fact, reality or rule; true.
So
Afterward; then
To the gas station and so home.
Very
(with superlatives) Used to firmly establish that nothing else surpasses in some respect.
He was the very best runner there.
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.
Very
True; real; actual; veritable.
Whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
The very essence of truth is plainness and brightness.
I looked on the consideration of public service or public ornament to be real and very justice.
So
In the same way; likewise
You were on time, and so was I.
Very
In a high degree; to no small extent; exceedingly; excessively; extremely; as, a very great mountain; a very bright sun; a very cold day; the river flows very rapidly; he was very much hurt.
So
Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm
So you think you've got troubles?.
Very
Precisely as stated;
The very center of town
So
In truth; indeed; assuredly
"You aren't right." "I am so!".
Very
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
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.
Very
Used to give emphasis to the relevance of the thing modified;
His very name struck terror
Caught in the very act
So
In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus
Hold the brush so.
Very
Used to give emphasis;
The very essence of artistic expression is invention
The very back of the room
So
True; factual
I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.
Very
Used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
She was very gifted
He played very well
A really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
A rattling good yarn
So
In good order
Everything on his desk must be exactly so.
Very
Precisely so;
On the very next page
He expected the very opposite
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
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!
Common Curiosities
Can "very" be used to introduce a result or effect?
No, "very" intensifies the degree of adjectives or adverbs but does not imply or lead to a result or effect.
How can "so" function in a question?
"So" can be used in questions to confirm information or clarify understanding, as in "So, you're coming with us?"
Is "very" used in any idiomatic expressions?
"Very" is less common in idiomatic expressions and is typically used for straightforward emphasis, such as in "very important" or "very well."
How does "so" imply consequences in its usage?
"So" often leads to a consequence when used as a conjunction or adverb, as in phrases like "It was so cold that we left early," where the degree of coldness results in a specific action.
Are there idiomatic expressions that commonly use "so"?
Yes, "so" appears in many idiomatic expressions like "so far, so good" or "not so fast," which convey meanings beyond the literal interpretation of the words.
Can "very" be used as anything other than an adverb?
Rarely, "very" can function as an adjective in specific formal expressions, such as "the very idea of it!"
Is "very" suitable for formal or casual contexts?
"Very" is versatile and can be used in both formal and casual contexts without altering its basic function of intensification.
Can "so" be used to introduce statements in formal documents?
"So" can be used in formal documents to introduce conclusions or logical results, but it should be used carefully to maintain formal tone.
What is the primary grammatical role of "so" and "very"?
"So" can serve as an adverb, conjunction, or pronoun, depending on context, while "very" is primarily used as an adverb to intensify adjectives and adverbs.
What is the difference in intensity between "so" and "very"?
"So" typically indicates a higher level of intensity than "very," especially when it leads to a consequence.
Is "very" appropriate for use in questions?
"Very" is not typically used to form questions; it is used within statements to enhance the degree of another word.
In what contexts can "so" replace an idea or concept?
"So" can replace an idea or concept that was previously mentioned, especially in responses like "I think so" or "If you say so."
What are some examples of "so" used as a conjunction?
Examples include "He was late, so he missed the meeting," where "so" introduces the consequence of being late.
Does "very" affect the grammatical structure of a sentence like "so" can?
"Very" does not alter the grammatical structure of a sentence but serves to modify and intensify existing words, unlike "so," which can link clauses or introduce conditions.
How do "so" and "very" differ when used to enhance adjectives?
"So" enhances adjectives to a high degree that often leads to a resultant action or condition, whereas "very" simply strengthens the adjective without implying any outcomes.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
