so
/səʊ/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈo] /soʊ/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈo] /ˈsō especially before an adjective or adverb followed by "that" sə/ (ame, mw) · [sˈo] /səʊ/ (ame, ipa)
so — 名詞
1. in music, the syllable 'so' represents the fifth tone of a major scale within th
So音
大調音階中的第五個唱名
in music, the syllable 'so' represents the fifth tone of a major scale within the solfège system of naming notes
In music class, the children sang so right after they reached fa in the scale.
音樂課上，孩子們在唱到 Fa 之後接著唱 So。
When Mizuki practised the violin, she carefully tuned the strings to the note so.
Mizuki 練小提琴時，仔細地把琴弦調到 So 音。
noun referring to a specific solfège note
The scale do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti helps young singers learn the basic notes of music.
do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti 這個音階幫助年輕的歌手學習音樂的基本音符。
Ava held the note so for three full counts while the pianist played a chord.
Ava 把 So 音延續了整整三拍，同時鋼琴手彈了一個和絃。
During choir practice, Ms. Lee sang do, re, mi, then so for the class.
合唱課時，Lee 老師唱了 do、re、mi，接著唱 so 給全班聽。
用法筆記
Used in the context of solfège, a system for teaching pitch and sight-singing. The note is sometimes written as 'sol' in older music textbooks.
so — 形容詞
- sopositive
- soercomparative
- soestsuperlative
1. describes a place or space where every item is in its correct position, giving a
整齊的
每樣東西都擺放整齊的
describes a place or space where every item is in its correct position, giving a very clean and ordered appearance.
Beatrix made sure every item on her desk was just so before leaving the office.
Beatrix 在下班前確認桌上的每樣物品都擺放得整整齊齊。
collocation: 'just so' for perfect arrangement
Hoa's grandmother insisted that the living room curtains hang so, with neat, even folds.
Hoa 的祖母堅持客廳窗簾要掛得整整齊齊，帶有均勻的褶皺。
After housekeeping left, the hotel room was just so, with every cushion lined up.
房務整理完後，那間旅館房間整整齊齊，連每個靠墊都排得很整齊。
Adisa spent twenty minutes arranging the bottles so on the bar shelf.
Adisa 花了二十分鐘把吧檯上的瓶子排列整齊。
Everything in the bakery kitchen was so, down to the last teaspoon and napkin.
那間烘焙廚房裡的所有東西都擺放得整整齊齊，連最後一個茶匙和餐巾也不例外。
- tidy
more general and common than 'so'; can describe any clean or organized space
- neat
simpler and more widely used, often for small spaces or personal appearance
- orderly
more formal, suggests arrangement according to a system rather than just visual tidiness
- shipshape
informal British expression, similar meaning but much less common
文法句型
be + so
have/get + object + so
用法筆記
This sense is always used predicatively after a linking verb such as 'be', 'have', or 'get.' It never appears before a noun (❌ a so room). The fixed phrase 'just so' is the most common form of this usage.
常見錯誤
so — 副詞
1. used before an adjective or adverb to show a very high degree, often with a resu
這麼；那麼
用於形容詞或副詞前表示程度很高
used before an adjective or adverb to show a very high degree, often with a result that follows — for example, being so tired that you fall asleep or running so fast that others cannot catch you
The movie was so boring that Diya fell asleep halfway through.
那部電影很無聊，Diya 看到一半就睡著了。
so + adjective + that-clause showing result
Hyun ran so fast that no one could catch him in the race.
Hyun 跑得非常快，賽跑中沒有人追得上他。
so + adverb + that-clause showing result
Madison, I am so sorry I dropped your grandmother's cake on the stairs.
Madison，真的很抱歉，我把你奶奶的蛋糕摔在樓梯上了。
There were so many people at the market that we could not move.
市場裡有那麼多人，我們根本動不了。
The bag was so heavy that Kemi could hardly lift it off the ground.
那個袋子太重了，Kemi 幾乎抬不起來。
- hardly
opposite degree; means almost not at all
文法句型
so + adjective
so + adverb
so + adjective/adverb + that-clause
用法筆記
Commonly followed by a that-clause to show the result of the degree, though 'that' is sometimes dropped in informal speech.
常見錯誤
2. placed before a noun phrase or the word 'not' to add strong emphasis to a statem
真；太
用在名詞或「不」之前加強語氣
placed before a noun phrase or the word 'not' to add strong emphasis to a statement — for example, saying there were so many guests at a wedding that extra chairs were needed
There was so much food at the party that everyone ate twice.
派對上的食物真多，每個人都吃了兩輪。
so + much + noun + that-clause
His new haircut is so not the right look for a job interview.
他的新髮型真的不適合去工作面試。
so + not + noun phrase
Salma has so many cousins that she cannot remember all their names.
Salma 的表親太多，她記不住所有人的名字。
That style of dancing is so last year — nobody does it anymore.
那種舞風太落伍了——現在沒人跳了。
Anna spent so little time on homework that her teacher asked if she was sick.
Anna 在作業上花的時間太少，老師問她是不是生病了。
文法句型
so + many/much/little/few + noun
so + not + adjective
so + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in everyday conversation and social media. The pattern 'so not + adjective' is very informal. The pattern 'so + noun' (like 'so last year', 'so over') is casual and suggests the speaker's attitude.
常見錯誤
3. placed after a verb near the close of a statement, giving the action or feeling
非常
放在句尾強調動作或感受的程度極高
placed after a verb near the close of a statement, giving the action or feeling the strongest possible degree — for example, telling someone you love them so, or that you miss them so
I love you so, Madison — more than I can ever put into words.
Madison，我非常愛你——言語無法形容。
verb of feeling + so at end of clause
Thank you so for driving me to the airport this morning.
非常感謝你今天早上開車送我去機場。
fixed phrase: thank + so
Eli missed his old school so when his family moved to a new city.
Eli 全家搬去新城市後，他非常想念舊學校。
We laughed so when Salma told that funny story about her cat.
Salma 講她貓咪的那個好笑故事時，我們笑翻了。
After one winter inland, I miss the sea so.
在內陸過了一個冬天後，我非常想念大海。
文法句型
verb + so
thank + so
用法筆記
Primarily used in spoken English and informal writing. Unlike sense 1, the 'so' here modifies the entire verb phrase, not a specific adjective or adverb, and appears at the end of the clause.
常見錯誤
4. used with an auxiliary verb like 'do', 'have', or 'be' before a subject to show
也
用於助動詞前表示另一人事物情況相同
used with an auxiliary verb like 'do', 'have', or 'be' before a subject to show that a statement applies equally to another person or thing — for example, saying you like jazz and so does your best friend
Jason loves playing the guitar, and so does his younger brother.
Jason 喜歡彈吉他，他弟弟也是。
so + does + subject — matching auxiliary
I went to university in London, and so did my cousin Elena.
我去倫敦讀大學，我表妹 Elena 也是。
If your sister can finish the whole race, then so can you.
如果你姊姊能跑完全程，那你也做得到。
The first chapter of the book was difficult, and so was the rest of it.
這本書的第一章很難，其餘部分也很難。
Anna speaks three languages fluently, and so does her colleague from Brazil.
Anna 能流利地說三種語言，她來自巴西的同事也是。
文法句型
so + auxiliary verb + subject
用法筆記
Requires subject-auxiliary inversion: the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. The auxiliary verb must match the tense and person of the verb in the first clause. This pattern is the natural English equivalent of 'also' when referring back to a previously stated action or state.
常見錯誤
5. used after verbs like 'think', 'say', or 'hope' to stand in for a whole statemen
如此
代替前面已提過的詞語或想法，避免重複
used after verbs like 'think', 'say', or 'hope' to stand in for a whole statement or idea already mentioned, so you do not repeat it
Is Diya coming to the party tonight? I think so, but I am not sure.
Diya 今晚要來參加派對嗎？我認為會來，但我不確定。
think so — replaces 'that she is coming'
If you want to leave the meeting early, you should just say so.
如果你想提早離開會議，你應該直接說出來。
The manager said the report was ready, but it did not look so to me.
經理說報告準備好了，但我覺得並非如此。
Are you free on Saturday afternoon? If so, let us meet for coffee.
你星期六下午有空嗎？如果有的話，我們喝杯咖啡吧。
Hyun asked for help with his exam, and I promised I would do so.
Hyun 要我幫他準備考試，我答應他我會這麼做。
- that
can replace 'do so' in some patterns ('I promised I would do that'), but less natural after 'think' and 'say'
文法句型
think so
say so
do so
if so
hope so
用法筆記
Common after verbs like 'think', 'say', 'hope', 'believe', 'suppose', 'guess', 'imagine', and 'tell'. The pattern 'do so' is more formal and is used when the repeated action is deliberate. Distinguish from sense 6: sense 5 substitutes for a previously mentioned idea, while sense 6 adds confirmation.
常見錯誤
6. used, often in the pattern 'and so + auxiliary + subject', to show that somethin
果然如此
用來確認之前預言或期望確實發生
used, often in the pattern 'and so + auxiliary + subject', to show that something predicted or expected really happens
The teacher warned that the exam would be difficult, and so it was.
老師警告說考試會很難，結果的確如此。
and so + it + was — confirming a prediction
Kemi predicted that traffic would be terrible, and so it turned out.
Kemi 預測交通會很糟糕，結果真的如此。
Everyone expected the football team to win, and so they did.
每個人都預期足球隊會贏，他們果然贏了。
The weather report said it would rain all afternoon, and so it happened.
天氣預報說會下整個下午的雨，結果真的下了。
Élise told us the museum would be closed on Monday, and so it was.
Élise 告訴我們博物館星期一不開，果然沒開。
文法句型
and so + subject + verb
and so + subject + auxiliary
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5: sense 5 replaces a previously mentioned expression, while sense 6 confirms that a previous claim or expectation is correct. The structure is typically 'and so + subject + verb/auxiliary' without inversion — the subject comes before the verb, not after it.
常見錯誤
7. used to emphasize that what someone has denied or doubted is in fact true, showi
的確；確實
反駁懷疑，堅稱確實如此
used to emphasize that what someone has denied or doubted is in fact true, showing firm certainty about a disputed point
Tyler insisted the test was on Friday. 'It is so!' he shouted when Jenna disagreed.
Tyler 堅持考試在星期五。「的確是！」Jenna 不同意時他大喊。
'is so' for emphatic confirmation rejecting doubt
When the teacher said no one had finished, Camila raised her hand and said, 'I did so!'
老師說沒有人完成作業時，Camila 舉起手說：「我確實做完了！」
'did so' contradicting a negative claim
The chef claimed the soup had no salt, but it was so — Rachid could taste it clearly.
廚師聲稱湯裡沒有加鹽，但事實確實如此——Rachid 清楚地嚐得出來。
Aoi told her mother she had cleaned the room. 'I did so — come see!' she called.
Aoi 告訴媽媽她打掃了房間。「我真的打掃了——妳來看！」她大聲說。
文法句型
did so
is so
was so
do so
用法筆記
Frequently used in spoken English to contradict a doubt or accusation. The auxiliary verb (did, is, was) must precede 'so'.
常見錯誤
8. used after a linking verb such as 'be' or 'become' to stand in for an adjective
那樣
代替前述形容詞避免重複
used after a linking verb such as 'be' or 'become' to stand in for an adjective that was mentioned earlier, avoiding repetition
The dress was beautiful, and perhaps too much so for a picnic in the park.
那件洋裝很美，甚至美到不太適合在公園野餐穿。
'too much so' replacing an adjective after a linking verb
Her voice was gentle, though not always so when she was angry with the children.
她的聲音很溫柔，但對孩子生氣時就不總是那樣了。
'not always so' pattern — 'so' replaces 'gentle'
The instructions seemed simple enough, but they were less so once Ishaan started reading them.
說明看起來夠簡單，但 Ishaan 開始讀之後就沒那麼簡單了。
The weather last week was hot, and it remains so this week as well, Benjamin noted.
上週天氣很熱，本週仍然如此，Benjamin 說道。
文法句型
be + so
become + so
too much so
less so
more so
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to appearing after linking verbs (be, become, remain, seem, etc.). It cannot replace a noun or a full clause — only an adjective.
常見錯誤
9. used by children in replies like 'I did so' or 'I am so' to reject what someone
就是
兒童否定對方的否定說法
used by children in replies like 'I did so' or 'I am so' to reject what someone denied and insist it really happened that way
You did not finish your vegetables. I did so — every single pea! Tuan protested.
你沒有吃完蔬菜。「我就是有——連每一顆豌豆都吃了！」Tuan 抗議道。
'did so' contradicts a 'did not' accusation
Talia's little brother shouted, 'You are not the boss of me!' 'I am so!' she replied.
Talia 的弟弟大喊：「你不是我的老闆！」「我就是！」她回嘴。
You never share your toys, Pedro complained. His sister yelled back, 'I do so share!'
Pedro 抱怨你從來不跟我們分享玩具，他妹妹回喊：「我就是有分享！」
The nanny said the twins had not taken a nap, but the boys cried, 'We did so!'
保姆說雙胞胎沒有睡午覺，但兩個男孩都大喊：「我們有睡！」
文法句型
did so
am so
is so
do so
have so
用法筆記
Primarily occurs in spoken exchanges between children or between a child and an adult. The verb is always stressed when spoken aloud.
常見錯誤
❌ Using this sense in formal writing or adult conversation may sound childish or inappropriate in most contexts.
10. used mainly in 'do so' to refer back to an action that was just mentioned or ins
如此做；照做
按指示或敘述的方式去做
used mainly in 'do so' to refer back to an action that was just mentioned or instructed, instead of repeating the whole verb phrase
The manager told the staff to arrive early, and they did so the following morning.
主管要求員工提早到，他們隔天早上就照做了。
'did so' — acting as previously instructed
If you wish to apply for the job, you should do so before the Friday deadline.
如果你想申請這份工作，應該在星期五截止日前提出申請。
'should do so' with a modal verb before 'do so'
The instructions said to turn left at the bridge, and Tuan did so without hesitation.
說明說要在橋那裡左轉，Tuan 毫不猶豫地照做了。
Citizens who wish to vote must register first, and many have done so this year.
想投票的公民必須先登記，今年已經有許多人這樣做了。
- do that
more informal and conversational; 'If you wish to apply, do that before Friday'
- comply
much more formal; suggests following a rule or order
- follow suit
idiomatic; means to do the same as someone else
文法句型
do so
did so
have done so
should do so
if...do so
用法筆記
Common in both formal and informal English. 'Do so' is often used to avoid repeating a verb phrase. The tense and auxiliary verb change ('did so', 'have done so', 'will do so'), but 'so' always follows the auxiliary.
常見錯誤
11. in this particular manner or position — often shown by a hand movement or body g
像這樣
以手勢指示的特定方式或位置
in this particular manner or position — often shown by a hand movement or body gesture while speaking
The dance teacher held her arm just so, showing everyone the correct shape.
舞蹈老師把手臂擺成這樣，讓大家看正確的姿勢。
'just so' with a demonstrative gesture
Place your hands so, the yoga instructor said, lifting her palms upward.
瑜珈老師說雙手這樣放，同時將掌心向上舉起。
Camila tilted her head just so, and the photograph came out beautifully.
Camila 把頭這樣一歪，照片拍出來非常好看。
To fold the paper bird, bend the corner so, then press it down flat.
要摺紙鳥，先把紙角這樣折，再往下壓平。
文法句型
just so
so after verb of position or movement
用法筆記
Almost always accompanied by a physical demonstration or gesture when spoken. In writing, the reader must infer the gesture from context. 'Just so' is a common fixed phrase in this sense.
常見錯誤
12. used when starting to explain or show the steps of a process, or to describe how
然後；那麼
用於說明步驟或敘述過程
used when starting to explain or show the steps of a process, or to describe how an event happened in sequence
So — you pour the flour into the bowl, then add two eggs and mix well.
那麼，你把麵粉倒進碗裡，再加兩顆蛋拌勻。
A witness showed the crash: so the car turned left, then a bike came from the right.
一名目擊者展示事發經過：車子左轉，然後一輛腳踏車從右邊過來。
So, first you press this button, then wait for the green light to appear.
那麼，先按這個按鈕，然後等綠燈亮。
The repairman picked up the pipe and said, 'So, this is where the leak started.'
維修師傅拿起水管說：「那麼，水就是從這裡漏出來的。」
文法句型
so + clause at start of sentence
用法筆記
Functions as a discourse marker at the start of a clause. It signals that the speaker is about to demonstrate or explain something step by step. Unlike the conjunction 'so', it does not express a logical result.
常見錯誤
13. accompanied by a hand gesture or body movement to indicate the size, length, or
這麼大
搭配手勢比劃物品尺寸
accompanied by a hand gesture or body movement to indicate the size, length, or width of something, as an alternative to giving an exact measurement — for example, holding your hands apart to show how long a fish was, or raising a palm to show how tall a child has grown
That fish Kabir caught was about so big, he said, spreading his hands far apart.
Kabir 說他抓到的魚大概這麼大，同時把雙手張得開開的。
'so big' with hand gesture showing length
The shelter puppy was only so tall when Eshe adopted her, barely reaching her knee.
收容所的小貓只有這麼高，Eshe 領養牠時，牠還不到她的膝蓋。
gestural 'so tall' indicating height
About so long, João replied, spreading his arms to show the shelf length.
「大概這麼長，」João 張開雙臂回答，比劃著架子的長度。
Felipe measured the pizza with his hands and said it was about so wide across.
Felipe 用手量了一下披薩，說大約這麼寬。
Indra spread her arms wide — the old tree in her garden was about so thick.
Indra 張開雙臂——她家院子裡那棵老樹大概這麼粗。
文法句型
so + adjective (big/long/tall/high/wide) in spoken context with gesture
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in face-to-face conversation where the speaker can accompany the word with a physical gesture. In writing, the gesture can be described nearby. The adjective that follows 'so' is usually a simple dimension word: big, long, tall, wide, high, thick, deep, or far.
常見錯誤
so — 連接詞
1. used at the start of a remark to pick up the previous situation and move the con
接著；那麼
承接前文，繼續話題
used at the start of a remark to pick up the previous situation and move the conversation or story forward from it
So, after we finish our homework, shall we go to the park?
那麼，我們寫完作業之後，去公園走走好嗎？
conjunction continuing a conversation after a prior event
The train was late again, so I missed my first class this morning.
火車又誤點了，所以我今天早上錯過了第一節課。
So, after one week in the greenhouse, I chose biology instead of art.
那麼，在溫室待了一個星期後，我選了生物而不是美術。
Noor told me about the picnic. So, are you coming with us?
Noor 跟我說了野餐的事。那麼，你要跟我們一起去嗎？
So, the next thing we need is to buy the tickets for the show.
那麼，接下來我們需要去買這場表演的票。
用法筆記
This is the most common discourse use of 'so'. It often appears in spoken conversation rather than formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. used, often in a question, to restate what you think someone means and check tha
這麼說
複述前話，確認理解無誤
used, often in a question, to restate what you think someone means and check that you have understood correctly
So, you want me to pick up the children at three and bring them home?
這麼說，你要我三點去接孩子，然後帶他們回家？
conjunction checking understanding by repeating the plan
So, just to be clear — the meeting is on Friday, not Thursday?
這麼說，再確認一下——會議是在星期五，不是星期四？
So, we all agree that Soraya will bring the dessert and Owen the drinks?
這麼說，我們都同意 Soraya 帶甜點、Owen 帶飲料？
So, I need to finish the report by noon and email it to the manager?
這麼說，我需要在中午前寫完報告，然後用電子郵件寄給經理？
- in other words
more explicit; used when rephrasing for clarity instead of checking
- so then
adds a slight pause before the confirmation check
用法筆記
This sense often appears in questions (rising intonation). The speaker is asking for confirmation, not just stating facts.
常見錯誤
3. used when you have just noticed, found out, or understood something, often somet
原來如此
發現或領悟某事
used when you have just noticed, found out, or understood something, often something that surprises you or changes what you thought before
So, the bus stop is right around this corner — I was walking the wrong way!
原來公車站就在這個轉角——我一直走錯路了！
conjunction expressing a sudden realization
So, you are the person who found my wallet on the train. Thank you!
原來你就是那個在火車上撿到我錢包的人。謝謝你！
So, the paintings on the wall were all made by your grandmother!
原來牆上的畫都是你奶奶畫的！
So, that is why the kitchen smelled so nice — you were baking cookies!
原來廚房裡那麼香是因為你在烤餅乾！
- oh I see
more of an interjection; used as a response rather than to start a sentence
- so that explains
more explicit about the cause revealed by the discovery
用法筆記
The speaker often says 'So' with drawn-out intonation (So-o-o) or a pause afterwards, to signal that the discovery is new or interesting.
4. used as a brief hesitation marker while you gather your thoughts or soften what
嗯；這個嘛
說話停頓，思考措辭
used as a brief hesitation marker while you gather your thoughts or soften what you are about to say
So, I spoke to Dr. Chen after class, and she thinks you are right.
嗯，我下課後去問了 Chen 醫師，她也覺得你是對的。
conjunction as a thinking pause before the main statement
So, the thing is, the school play opens Friday, and we still need two costumes.
這個嘛，問題是，學校的舞台劇星期五就要上演了，而我們還少兩套戲服。
So, let me think — was that little coffee shop on Pine Street?
嗯，讓我想想——那家小咖啡店是在 Pine Street 上嗎？
So, about the trip next weekend — I am not sure I can go anymore.
這個嘛，關於下週末的旅行——我恐怕沒辦法去了。
用法筆記
This 'so' has little factual meaning — it is a discourse filler. Avoid it in formal writing. In speech, it sounds natural but overusing it can make you sound hesitant.
常見錯誤
5. used to shift to a different subject or open a new question, rather than continu
那麼；對了
引入新話題或提問
used to shift to a different subject or open a new question, rather than continue the previous line of thought
So, what do you think about the new park they are building downtown?
那麼，你覺得他們在市中心蓋的新公園怎麼樣？
conjunction introducing a new topic as a question
So, how was your trip to Japan last month? Did you enjoy it?
對了，你上個月的日本之旅怎麼樣？玩得開心嗎？
So, who wants to tell me what happened at school today?
那麼，誰要告訴我今天在學校發生了什麼事？
So, have you heard about the concert that Ava is organizing next week?
對了，你有聽說 Ava 下週要辦的演唱會嗎？
- now
similar for shifting topic; slightly more abrupt
- by the way
suggests the new topic is less important or a side note
用法筆記
Common in both casual conversation and friendly interviews. The question that follows 'So' is the real focus — the 'So' signals a shift of attention to a new area.
6. indicates that you accept what another person says but see little reason to trea
所以呢；罷了
接受但不認為重要
indicates that you accept what another person says but see little reason to treat the matter as something serious
So, the cake did not turn out perfectly — it still tastes really good!
所以呢，蛋糕做得不完美——但吃起來還是很好吃啊！
conjunction dismissing a problem as unimportant
So, she arrived a few minutes late. We can still start the movie on time.
所以呢，她只是晚到幾分鐘。我們還是可以準時看電影。
So, I did not win the race, but it was still fun to take part.
所以呢，我沒有贏得比賽，但參加還是很好玩。
So, my shirt does not match my trousers. Who really cares about that?
所以呢，我的襯衫和褲子不搭。誰在乎啊？
用法筆記
Often used with a shrug or a dismissive tone. The expression 'So what?' is a shorter, stronger version of this sense. 'So' alone is softer.
常見錯誤
7. used to join a cause and its effect, meaning "for that reason" or "because of wh
因此
表示因果關係的結果
used to join a cause and its effect, meaning "for that reason" or "because of what was just said" — the result naturally follows from the situation described earlier
It rained all afternoon, so the football match was cancelled.
整個下午都在下雨，因此足球比賽取消了。
so linking a cause to its consequence
Meera forgot her umbrella, so she got completely soaked on the way home.
Meera 忘了帶雨傘，因此在回家的路上全身都淋濕了。
There was a long queue at the ticket booth, so we decided to come back.
售票處前面排了很長的隊，所以我們決定晚點再回來。
The store had already closed, so Quinn left and returned the next morning.
商店已經打烊了，因此 Quinn 先離開，隔天早上再回來。
Sirin had never tried Thai food before, so she ordered a mild dish to start.
Sirin 從來沒吃過泰國菜，所以她先點了一道口味溫和的菜。
- therefore
more formal; preferred in academic or professional writing
- thus
very formal; common in written texts but rare in casual speech
- consequently
formal; emphasises that the result is a logical step from the cause
用法筆記
Frequently contrast with discourse uses of 'so' (senses 1–6): THEREFORE 'so' explicitly connects a stated cause to its logical effect, while discourse 'so' simply moves a conversation forward or signals a new topic.
常見錯誤
8. used to introduce the purpose or intended result of an action you have just desc
以便；好讓
說明行為的目的或理由
used to introduce the purpose or intended result of an action you have just described, explaining why someone did something
Nikhil left work early so that he could pick up his daughter from school.
Nikhil 提早下班，好讓他能去學校接女兒。
so that + clause expressing a planned purpose
I wrote down the address so I would not forget it later.
我把地址寫了下來，這樣等一下才不會忘記。
Talia locked the door so that no one could disturb her while she slept.
Talia 鎖上了門，以免睡覺時有人打擾她。
Pedro saved some of his pay each month so he could buy a house.
Pedro 每個月存一部分薪水，以便有能力買房子。
The teacher spoke slowly so that everyone in the class could follow the lesson.
老師慢慢講課，以便全班同學都能聽懂。
- in order that
more formal and less common in everyday speech
- with the aim that
formal; used mainly in writing
文法句型
so (that) + clause
用法筆記
The word 'that' after 'so' is optional and does not change the meaning. This is the only conjunction sense of 'so' that introduces a clause of purpose (not result). The tense in the purpose clause is typically a modal like 'could', 'would', or 'can'.
常見錯誤
9. used to state the aim of an action in a more formal way, meaning "in order to" o
為了；旨在
表示行為的積極目的
used to state the aim of an action in a more formal way, meaning "in order to" or "with the purpose of"
Quinn arrived early so as to get a good seat near the stage.
Quinn 提早到場，為了在舞台附近搶到好位子。
so as to + infinitive for a stated purpose
The article was shortened so as to fit on a single page of the magazine.
這篇文章被縮短了，以便能塞進雜誌的一頁裡。
Christopher moved closer so as to hear what the speaker was saying.
Christopher 往前靠近了一些，為了聽清楚講者的話。
The city added junior races so as to give young athletes more chances to compete.
市政府新增了青少年組比賽，旨在讓年輕運動員有更多參賽機會。
Élise studied every evening so as to pass the exam on her first try.
Élise 每天晚上都用功讀書，為了第一次就能通過考試。
- in order to
more common and slightly less formal than 'so as to'
- with the intention of
formal; followed by a gerund instead of an infinitive
文法句型
so as to + infinitive
用法筆記
More formal than 'so that' (sense 8). The subject of the main clause and the implied subject of the infinitive must be the same. Common in written instructions, reports, and formal announcements.
常見錯誤
10. used to express that someone does something to prevent an unwanted result, with
以免；免得
防止某種結果發生
used to express that someone does something to prevent an unwanted result, with the sense of "to avoid" or "so as not to"
Vinícius spoke softly so as not to wake the baby in the next room.
Vinícius 輕聲說話，以免吵醒隔壁房間的嬰兒。
so as not to + infinitive for negative purpose
We left early so as not to miss the first train of the day.
我們提早出發，以免錯過當天的第一班火車。
Tyler kept his phone on silent mode so as not to disturb the meeting.
Tyler 把手機關成靜音，免得打擾會議進行。
The vase was wrapped in thick paper so as not to break during the move.
花瓶被厚厚的紙包了起來，免得在搬運過程中摔破。
- in order not to
same meaning; slightly more common in everyday writing
- to avoid
followed by a gerund (e.g. 'to avoid waking the baby'), a different grammatical structure
文法句型
so as not to + infinitive
用法筆記
This is the negative counterpart of sense 9. The structure is always 'so as not to + base verb' with 'not' placed before 'to'. Cannot be replaced by 'so as to not' in standard written English.