The difference between So and Then

When used as nouns, so means a syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale, whereas then means that time.

When used as adverbs, so means to the (explicitly stated) extent that, whereas then means at that time.

When used as adjectives, so means true, accurate, whereas then means being so at that time.

So is also conjunction with the meaning: in order that.

check bellow for the other definitions of So and Then

  1. 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."

  2. 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!&emsp; That is <u>so</u> nowrap not true!"

  3. 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)."

  4. 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.&emsp; nowrap Many people say she's the world's greatest athlete, but I don't think so.&emsp; nowrap "I can count backwards from one hundred." "So can I."

  5. So as an adverb:

    To such an extent or degree; as.

    Examples:

    "'so far as;&emsp; so long as;&emsp; so much as"

  1. So as an adjective:

    True, accurate.

    Examples:

    "That is so.&emsp; nowrap You are responsible for this, is that not so?"

  2. So as an adjective:

    In that state or manner; with that attribute.

  3. So as an adjective (dated, UK, slang):

    Homosexual.

    Examples:

    "Is he so?"

  1. So as a pronoun:

  1. So as a noun (music):

    A syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale.

  1. So as a noun (foods):

    A type of dairy product made in Japan between the seventh and 10th centuries.

  1. Then as an adverb (temporal location):

    At that time.

    Examples:

    "He was happy then."

  2. Then as an adverb (temporal location):

    Soon afterward.

    Examples:

    "He fixed it, then left."

    "Turn left, then right, then right again, then keep going until you reach the service station."

  3. Then as an adverb (sequence):

    Next in order; in addition.

    Examples:

    "There are three green ones, then a blue one."

  4. Then as an adverb (conjunctive):

    In that case.

    Examples:

    "If it’s locked, then we’ll need the key."

    "Is it 12 o'clock already? Then it's time for me to leave."

    "You don't like potatoes? What do you want me to cook, then?"

  5. Then as an adverb (sequence):

    At the same time; on the other hand.

    Examples:

    "That’s a nice shirt, but then, so is the other one."

  6. Then as an adverb (UK, dialect, affirmation):

    Used to contradict an assertion.

  1. Then as an adjective:

    Being so at that time.

  1. Then as a noun:

    That time

    Examples:

    "It will be finished before then."

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