A conjunction is a word that is used to connect two or more words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. Here we shall discuss how the word ‘so’ is conjunction.
The word ‘so’ is definitely called conjunction because it helps to join sentences together and frames a single sentence. It is one of the FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
Let us view the examples:
| Serial Number | Examples | Explanations |
| 1. | Rohan had missed the last bus on the route, so he had to return home on foot. | In this sentence, two principal clauses are joined by the word ‘so’. Thus it works as a conjunction and frames a single sentence. |
| 2. | Rohini has the highest marks in English, so she is appointed as the principal of the school. | Here it is seen that the word ‘so’ connects the two principal clauses and frames a single sentence. |
Let us discuss some more facts about it.
When is ‘so’ a conjunction?
The word ‘so’ is conjunction. Now we shall explore when the word ‘is used as a conjunction.
We can use the word ‘so’ when we need to join two principal clauses together to make a single sentence. It acts as coordinating conjunction by joining two independent clauses. We also use it to show the result.
| Serial Number | Examples | Explanations |
| 3. | Sourav eats too much fast food, so he is unwilling to eat vegetables. | In this example, we see that the word ‘so’ is used to join two independent clauses and makes a single sentence. |
| 4. | The old man is very weak, so he is walking slowly. | In this scenario, we come across that the word ‘so’ is used as a conjunction to connect two principal clauses. |
How is ‘so’ a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word to frame a compound sentence. Let us get to know how the word ‘so’ is a conjunction.
The word ‘so’ is a conjunction by its nature of function in a sentence. As it can join two independent clauses and frames a single sentence.
Let us see the examples below.
| Serial Number | Examples | Explanations |
| 5. | There were huge storage materials, so Kanchan could buy the essential things. | Here we come across the use of the word ‘so’ that connects two independent clauses. |
| 6. | They traveled a long distance, so they are tired now. | In this sentence, the word ‘so’ is used to connect two independent clauses and frames a single sentence. |
| 7. | You performed well in the match. So he was praised. | Here we find that as a coordinating conjunction the word’ so’ joins two independent clauses. |
Is ‘so’ always a conjunction?
Now, we will look into the fact of whether the word ‘so’ is always a conjunction or not.
We can use the word ‘so’ as a pronoun, as an adjective, and as an interjection. The word ‘so’ is not always conjunction. It depends on the manner of usage whether it is a conjunction or any other part of speech.
Ex-Mrinmoy is very scared, so he cannot go outside alone.
Explanation- In this sentence, the word ‘so’ is used as a conjunction because it joins two main clauses.
When is ‘so’ not considered a conjunction?
We can use the word ‘so’ as a different part of speech as we need it. Here we shall explore when it cannot be called a conjunction.
We can use the word ‘so’ as a pronoun. We can use it as an adjective when it emphasizes a noun, as a noun, as an adverb, and even as an interjection when it expresses an exclamation.
The following table will show how the word ‘so’ is used in different parts of speech.
| Serial number | The manner of usage | Examples | Explanations |
| 1. | Conjunction | The soup is very tasty, so I will eat it fully. | Here ‘so’ acts as a conjunction by joining two independent clauses. |
| 2. | Pronoun | Will you eat the fruit, so eat soon? | Here we see that the word ‘so’ is used as a pronoun. It is used in place of the noun ‘fruit’. |
| 3. | Adjective | The girl explained the reason that was not so. | Here the word ‘so’ is acting as an adjective. It tells us more about the noun ‘reason’. |
| 4. | Adverb | Ranjit was so excited yesterday. | Here the word ‘so’ is used to say more about the adjective ‘excited’. |
| 5. | Interjection. | So beautiful the flower. | Here the word ‘so’ is used to express surprise or exclamation. |
5. What kind of conjunction is the word ‘so’?
Here we will explore what kind of conjunction the word ‘so’ is.
The word ‘so’ is a coordinating conjunction because it joins the two independent clauses and frames a single compound sentence. The word ‘so’ can also be used as a subordinating conjunction when it connects an independent and a dependent clause.
Ex- The naughty boy was punished, so he was crying.
Explanation- Here the word ‘so’ joins two independent clauses and frames a single sentence.
Why is ‘so’ a coordinating conjunction?
We have known that the word ‘so’ is a coordinating conjunction. Let us examine why it is called a coordinating conjunction.
The word ‘so’ joins two equal sentences. As it joins two independent clauses it is called a coordinating conjunction.
Ex- My father is saving money, so he can buy a new flat.
Explanation- Here it is found that the word ‘so’ connects two equal independent sentences. For this reason, we can call it a coordinating conjunction.
Examples of ‘so’ as conjunctions:
Let us see the examples where the word ‘so’ works as a coordinating conjunction.
| Serial number | Examples | Explanations |
| 13. | Fatima was unwell, so she could go to school yesterday. | In this sentence, the word ‘so’ is used to join the two independent clauses. |
| 14. | She is ever-smiling, so everybody likes her. | Here the coordinating conjunction ‘so’ joins the two equal independent clauses. |
| 15. | He was beaten by the teacher, so he looked gloomy. | In this example, two independent clauses are connected by the word ‘so’ and frame a single sentence. |
| 16. | Nittananda Das is a vegetarian, so he does not eat any meat. | Here the word ‘so’ is used to join two independent clauses and acts as a coordinating clause. |
| 17. | I have a fascination for cats, so I have four cats. | Here the word ‘so’ is used to connect two equal independent clauses and acts as a coordinating conjunction. |
| 18. | The masons are working day and night, so they get praise from the owner. | Here the word ‘so’ is used to connect the two independent clauses and work as a conjunction. |
| 19. | Raktim worked hard, so he can prove his talent. | Here the word ‘so’ is used to join two independent clauses and shows the result. |
| 20. | Prabal was unwell, so he could not play football. | In this example, we see that the word ‘so’ is used to join sentences and provides the result. |
| 21. | My daughter is very smart, so I love her very much. | In this sentence, it is found that the word ‘so’ is used to connect two principal clauses and brings its result. |
| 22. | Pritam is honest, so we can rely on him. | Here it is seen that the word ‘so’ joins the two independent clauses and it brings the result. |
| 23. | I am hungry, so I will eat some food. | Here ‘so’ joins the two independent clauses and the result is seen. |
Conclusion
In this article, the detailed discussion on the word ‘so’ is explained well. We will learn the right usage of the word ‘so’ as conjunction.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.