Cool MateAnd that means vs So
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
And that means
Top 2,000 (common)
So
High-frequency chunkA1adverb
Most common: So
| And that means | So | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ænd ðæt miːnz//🇺🇸 //ænd ðæt minz// | 🇬🇧 /["/səʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səʊ/"]/ |
| Meaning | This shows that something is true or important. | used to say that something is true or to show a result |
| Example | We completed the project ahead of schedule, and that means we can take on more work. | She was tired, so she went to bed early. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | and that means a lot, and that means trouble, and that means success, and that means you're right, and that means resources | so happy, so much, so good, so far, so fast |
| Antonyms | - | not |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'that' when it's needed for clarity., Using in overly complex sentences where simpler expression is better., Misplacing it in a sentence, which can confuse the meaning. | Confused with 'very' — 'so' indicates a result rather than degree., 'So' used incorrectly at the beginning of formal sentences., Overusing 'so' in formal writing, making the text less precise. |
| Usage notes | Use in both spoken and written contexts to emphasize significance. It's commonly used in informal discussions and formal arguments. | Used to connect sentences, showing cause and effect. In informal contexts, it can start statements or express agreement but may be considered vague in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: And that means vs So
What's the difference between And that means and So?
And that means: This shows that something is true or important. So: used to say that something is true or to show a result
Which is more common: And that means and So?
So is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
And that means: We completed the project ahead of schedule, and that means we can take on more work. So: She was tired, so she went to bed early.
Can I use And that means and So interchangeably?
Not always. And that means and So are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.