Starting a sentence with "so" can sound condescending, especially in formal writing or when used to explain something obvious, implying, "This is the logical conclusion/obvious point you missed," but it's also common in speech as a casual transition or filler, so context and tone are key. While some find it annoying or patronizing, others see it as a natural speech pattern, similar to "well" or "you know," while style guides often suggest avoiding it in formal contexts.
With all these different functions, it can be hard to remember all the grammar rules for so. Can you start a sentence with so? Yes, you can start sentences with so. But in some formal writing, it might be better to use another word.
“So is a good word for beginning a sentence,” says Garner's Modern American Usage because “The shorter word affords a brisker pace” compared with words such as “however,” “additionally,” or “therefore.” Garner doesn't specifically opine on whether to use a comma, but none of his examples use one.
There is a frequently taught "rule" that sentences should not start with any of the coordinating conjunctions, i.e. and, or, but, yet, so, for, and nor. There is no actual grammatical rule as such, however, simply because such a rule doesn't make any sense.
'So' implies there's more to consider. It's shorter than 'therefore' to say. It implies a consequence of a previous action. Languages evolve, and this is no more obvious than when people use the language very casually.
Ending a phrase with “so” is as common as randomly dropping the word “like” into a sentence, which is another quirk of language in Ireland. Saying goodbye could be “Later so” or “Are we going for a pint, so?” It can mean “then” or some suggest “eh”.
Today, most language experts and stylists agree that it's fine to open sentences that way. In fact, The Chicago Manual of Style points out that up to ten percent of the sentences in first-rate writing begin with conjunctions such as and, but, or so.
It's actually a new interjection! Linguists call it a discourse marker, and it's being used to draw attention or hold space before making a point. It started in African American English and expanded into mainstream Gen Z speech. It's another cool example of language change.
The rule about not ending sentences with prepositions really applies to formal communication; in informal and casual settings, go ahead and speak freely.
7 most difficult English words that will let you forget what you wanted to say
Sentence starters can make this relationship clear and show which sentence is the cause and which is the effect.
A
The letters J, Q, and V are almost never at the end of a word in English. The English words that end in J, Q, and V are mostly loanwords that come from another language. For example, a kalij is a type of pheasant in India.
As a commenter pointed out, Winston Churchill is often quoted as making this statement about the rule against ending sentences with prepositions: “This is the type of errant pedantry up with which I will not put.”
Key Insights. Learning to say no effectively can protect your time & energy, fostering better boundaries & self-respect. Clear & polite refusals help maintain relationships while asserting personal limits. Practicing saying no builds confidence & reduces stress from overcommitment.
“No cap” means “no lie.” It's used to add emphasis and signal that what someone is saying is 100% true. One way to think of it is like adding an exclamation point to a promise, hot take, or a bold claim: “That was the best pizza I've ever had—no cap.”
Gen Z communication is shaped by the digital world, where speed, character limits, and constant communication rule. Shortened phrases, emoji-like slang, and casual tones are the norm.
Hit or myth: you can't start a sentence with 'and' or 'but' It's a rule beloved by schoolteachers: starting a sentence with and or but is wrong. It's also one of the few rules of grammar many people remember actually being mentioned at school.
An ampersand (&) is a symbol that means and. It's common in informal writing but not formal writing, although it's often used in official titles like company names or the titles of artworks.
I think for me it's just kind of a half-joking, casual start to a sentence, implying that we've already been talking about this, or something, even though we really haven't. It ramps up the casualness.
Mo Shearc (pronounced 'hark'): Means 'my love' Another simple version of 'mo ghrá'. Mo Rúnsearc (pronounced 'roon-hark'): Literally means 'my secret love', there is no direct equivalent in English. Mo Mhuirnin (pronounced 'mur-neen'): Means 'my little darling' or 'my dear', a more formal phrase.
Because the phrase is usually used to express doubt or disagreement without coming out and actually saying it, it's often seen as a little dismissive or passive aggressive.
The word with 645 meanings is "run," according to the Oxford English Dictionary. This number refers specifically to the verb form, making it the most complex word in English, surpassing the former record-holder, "set". Its vast meanings range from physical movement to operating machines, managing businesses, and extending in a direction, a versatility that grew with societal changes like the Industrial Revolution.
But one unusual letter is never silent: the letter V.