The difference between So and This

When used as nouns, so means a syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale, whereas this means something being indicated that is here.

When used as adverbs, so means to the (explicitly stated) extent that, whereas this means to the degree or extent indicated.

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

So is also adjective with the meaning: true, accurate.

This is also determiner with the meaning: the (thing) here .

This is also pronoun with the meaning: the thing, item, etc. being indicated.

check bellow for the other definitions of So and This

  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. This as an adverb:

    To the degree or extent indicated.

    Examples:

    "I need this much water."

    "Do we need this many recommendations?"

    "We've already come this far, we can't turn back now."

  1. This as a pronoun:

    The thing, item, etc. being indicated.

    Examples:

    "This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are sick in fortune,—often the surfeit of our own behaviour,—we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars...'' — Shakespeare, ''King Lear'', [http://en.wikisource.org/w/index.php?title=The_Tragedy_of_King_Lear&action=edit&section=4 Act 1. Scene 2.]"

  1. This as a noun (philosophy):

    Something being indicated that is here; one of these.

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