The difference between So and That
When used as nouns, so means a syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale, whereas that means something being indicated that is there.
When used as adverbs, so means to the (explicitly stated) extent that, whereas that means to a given extent or degree.
So is also conjunction with the meaning: in order that.
So is also adjective with the meaning: true, accurate.
That is also determiner with the meaning: the (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "", or if expressing distinction.
That is also pronoun with the meaning: the thing, person, idea, quality, event, action or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "", or if expressing distinction.
check bellow for the other definitions of So and That
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So as an adverb:
To the (explicitly stated) extent that.
Examples:
"It was so hot outside that all the plants died.  nowrap He was so good, they hired him on the spot."
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So as an adverb (informal):
To the (implied) extent. Very (positive clause). Very (negative clause). Very much.
Examples:
"I need a piece of cloth <u>so</u> long. [= ''this'' long]"
"He is <u>so</u> good!"
"It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]"
"But I <u>so</u> want to see the Queen when she visits our town!  That is <u>so</u> nowrap not true!"
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So as an adverb:
In a particular manner.
Examples:
"Place the napkin on the table just so. If that's what you mean, then say so; (or do so)."
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So as an adverb:
In the same manner or to the same extent as aforementioned; also.
Examples:
"Just as you have the right to your free speech, so I have the right to mine.  nowrap Many people say she's the world's greatest athlete, but I don't think so.  nowrap "I can count backwards from one hundred." "So can I."
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So as an adverb:
To such an extent or degree; as.
Examples:
"'so far as;  so long as;  so much as"
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So as an adjective:
True, accurate.
Examples:
"That is so.  nowrap You are responsible for this, is that not so?"
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So as an adjective:
In that state or manner; with that attribute.
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So as an adjective (dated, UK, slang):
Homosexual.
Examples:
"Is he so?"
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So as a pronoun:
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So as a noun (music):
A syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale.
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So as a noun (foods):
A type of dairy product made in Japan between the seventh and 10th centuries.
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That as a pronoun (demonstrative):
The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "", or if expressing distinction.
Examples:
"He went home, and after that I never saw him again."
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That as a pronoun:
The known (thing); .
Examples:
"They're getting divorced. What do you think about ''that''?"
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That as a pronoun (demonstrative):
The aforementioned quality; .
Examples:
"The water is so cold! — That it is."
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That as a pronoun (relative):
(plural that) Which, who; .
Examples:
"The CPR course that she took really came in handy."
"The house that he lived in was old and dilapidated."
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That as a pronoun (colloquial):
Examples:
"the place that [= where or to which] I went last year"
"the last time that [= when] I went to Europe"
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That as an adverb (degree):
To a given extent or degree.
Examples:
"The ribbon was that thin." "I disagree, I say it was not that thin, it was thicker... or maybe thinner..."
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That as an adverb (degree):
To a great extent or degree; very, particularly .
Examples:
"I'm just not that sick."
"I did the run last year, and it wasn't that difficult."
"synonyms: so"
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That as an adverb (obsolete, outside, dialects):
To such an extent; so. .
Examples:
"Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her."
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That as a noun (philosophy):
Something being indicated that is there; one of those.