The difference between So and Very

When used as adverbs, so means to the (explicitly stated) extent that, whereas very means to a great extent or degree.

When used as adjectives, so means true, accurate, whereas very means true, real, actual.

So is also noun with the meaning: a syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale.

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

check bellow for the other definitions of So and Very

  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. Very as an adjective:

    True, real, actual.

    Examples:

    "The fierce hatred of a very woman.&emsp; nowrap The very blood and bone of our grammar.&emsp; nowrap He tried his very best."

  2. Very as an adjective:

    The same; identical.

    Examples:

    "He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.&emsp; nowrap That's the very tool that I need."

  3. Very as an adjective:

    With limiting effect: mere.

  1. Very as an adverb:

    To a great extent or degree; extremely; exceedingly.

    Examples:

    "You’re drinking very slowly."

    "That dress is very ''you''."

  2. Very as an adverb:

    True, truly.

  3. Very as an adverb (with superlatives):

    Examples:

    "He was the very best runner there."

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