14/07/16 The Uses of ‘SO’ & ‘THEN’
So and then can both be used to mean “since that is so.” There is a slight difference. Then is most often used when one speaker replies to another: it means “it follows from what you have said.” We do not normally use then when the same speaker wants to connect two ideas (“It follows from what I have said”). So can be used in both ways.
Compare:
- It’s more expensive to travel on Friday, so I’ll leave on Thursday evening. (NOT …
ThenI’ll leave on Thursday evening.) - “It’s more expensive to travel on Friday.” “Then/So I’ll leave on Thursday evening. Thanks for the advice.”
- I’ll be needing the car, so you’ll have to take a taxi.
- I’ll be needing the car.” “Then/So I suppose I’ll have to take a taxi.”
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