12 Best Words To Use Instead Of “So”

The word “so” has a surprising number of uses in English. However, it would help to know what better alternatives are out there that might make your writing a little more impressive to those who read it. This article will help you to learn some of the best ones!

What Are The Best Words To Use Instead Of “So”?

There are many different words we can use to replace “so.” You might be interested in trying one of the following:

• Therefore
• As a result
• Because of
• Due to
• Since
• Thus
• In turn
• Following
• To further
• As well
• Very
• Extremely

The preferred version is “therefore.” It works really well to replace “so” in many forms of writing, and it is most effective formally. There are many cases where “therefore” is the better version of “so,” so it would help to understand a little more about it.

Therefore

“Therefore” is the best way to replace “so.” We can use it correctly when we want to show how something is impacted from a previous sentence. It’s best to start a new sentence with “therefore” when we want to use it.

These examples should help you understand it:

• They had to go earlier in the day. Therefore, the meeting was cut short.
• I needed more time to get them the money. Therefore, I had to pick up a few extra jobs on the weekend.
• He didn’t need to do it, but he thought it would be fun. Therefore, he picked up a nasty injury for his mistakes!

As A Result

“As a result” is a great way to replace “so” at the start of a sentence. It works well when we want to show how a direct result occurred due to the information from the previous sentence.

These examples will help you to make sense of it:

• We thought we had it all. As a result, we did not think twice about the new job offer before it was too late.
• I did not want to go there. As a result, I stayed at home and let everyone else have fun.
• I thought it was going to be more interesting. As a result, I fell asleep at the back of the hall!

Because Of

“Because of” is one of the most common replacements of “so.” We can use it to show how something might have happened due to another event or situation.

Check out some of these examples to see how it works:

• I did not want them to be here on my birthday because of all the things I knew they had said about me before.
• I thought we could have seen eye to eye because of our common interests, but it turns out I was wrong.
• Because of the way you mishandled these boxes, all of the items inside have been destroyed.

Due To

“Due to” is another useful way for us to start a sentence. We can do this once we’ve already made a previous sentence or as part of the current sentence if we think it fits into the context.

Check out some of these examples:

• I did not think it was wise due to the lack of information we had about it.
• Due to what I heard from the other room, I think it’s best if I retire early!
• I thought they could get away with it due to the way they were talking with such confidence.

Since

“Since” is a great way to start a sentence similarly to “so.” We use it when we want to show how something might have happened related to another incident. We do not typically need a previous sentence to link back to with “since.”

These examples should help you to understand it:

• Since no one told me any better, I took it upon myself to complete the project alone.
• Since you thought you could do this without me, I’ll take a seat over here and watch you struggle.
• Since I was not informed there would be a meeting; I’ll just return to my office.

Thus

“Thus” is a somewhat old-fashioned word we can use. However, many writers like to include it (especially in formal writing). It works really well when you want to show how two different sentences might have caused a similar outcome.

Check out some of these examples to see how it works:

• I had to go to the hospital to check in on my mother. Thus, it was no surprise when they told me that she was worsening yesterday.
• You thought you had gotten the better of me. Thus, you let your guard down, which is when I attacked!
• I couldn’t bring myself to tell them about the atrocities I saw. Thus, I kept it to myself for as long as I could.

In Turn

“In turn” works well when relating to a previous point. It helps to include it as part of a second sentence, which is a great way for us to show how two different sentences should interact with each other based on their effects.

Check out some of these examples to see how it looks:

• We did not think it was wise to tell you. In turn, we made the decision to keep it a secret that only we knew about.
• I wanted to do it, but I couldn’t! In turn, someone else got the chance, and now they’re being celebrated as the hero.
• You should have told me something sooner. In turn, I’ve already decided against your motion because you did not inform me!

Following

“Following” is another useful way for us to continue our thought from the previous sentence or idea. We do not always need to start a new sentence related to the previous one with “following.” Sometimes the sentence can explain the idea itself.

Here are a few examples of what we mean:

• Following the discussion we had earlier, we think it’s appropriate that you should resign from your duties.
• I do not wish to cause you any more harm following the things that I heard you talk about while you thought I was away.
• Following the demands made by the criminal, we have no choice but to accept his bid to try and get the hostages back!

To Further

“To further” is an excellent way for us to continue a point from a previous sentence. This is a good synonym for “so” because it allows us to set up a new idea that’s somewhat related to the previous one (or the one we want to state in the current clause).

Here are some examples of how it can work:

• To further understand the problems associated with the dynamics, we have illustrated our project’s findings below.
• You should not have told her about those things. To further, I think you should go back to her and apologize for everything you said.
• I didn’t know it was going to be this way. To further, I think it would help if we all forgot this even occurred!

As Well

“As well” is another great” way to replace “so.” We can use it to show how something might happen additionally to the previous thing, which is another way that “so” can work in a sentence.

Here are a few ways we can make this one work:

• You should have seen their faces. As well, you would have noticed that no one knew what to do next.
• As well as the things I had discussed previously, it has been brought to my attention that you do not understand the assignment.
• As well as this is for us to discuss, I do not think it’s pertinent, and I think we’ll benefit more from dropping it.

Very

“So” doesn’t always have to show how things happen in relation to something else. Sometimes, we might just use it to compare the size or effect of something. If you think about something being “so important,” you’ll see that it’s an emphasizer in this case.

“Very” works synonymously with “so” when used as an emphasizer. We can use it to increase the value of something or show that there’s more to it than we might have first realized.

Here are a few great examples that show you everything you need to know about it:

• It’s very important that we find the correct way to do this before we’re tested on it.
• It’s very strange that he wanted to come here on his day off, but I suppose we can’t judge him.
• You’re very boring, and I don’t think I can see us having much of an exciting future together.

Extremely

“Extremely” is synonymous with “so” in the same way that “very” is. We can use it as another emphasizer. “Extremely” is much stronger than “very” in many cases, so you should only use it when something is the “most” of an adjective.

To help you understand what we mean, check out some of these examples:

• You are extremely drunk, and I think you should go home before you get yourself into any more trouble.
• I am extremely tired because my newborn won’t stop crying at night!
• You are extremely terrifying when you make that face, and I don’t think it’s wise for you to do it around the children!