Using ‘so’ to avoid repetition

In this English lesson you will learn how to use ‘so’ to avoid repetition when we speak and write English.

Avoid repetition

We use ‘so’ to avoid repeating a phrase:

• after opinion verbs such as expect, guess, hope, imagine, it seems, suppose, think, I’m afraid.

Example:

• ‘Do you think Australia will win the cricket?’ ‘I hope so or I think so’.

We can also use ‘so’ after say and tell.

Example:

• ‘I don’t like this fish.’ ‘- I told you so.’
• ‘Can I go to the movies? ‘- ‘Only if your mother says so.’

Not + ‘so’

We prefer not + ‘so’ with imagine, expect, think

Examples:

• ‘Will it be cold tomorrow?’ – ‘I don’t think so.’

We use ‘not‘ after I’m afraid, guess, hope

Example:

• ‘Can I go out tonight with my friends?’ – ‘I am afraid not.’

Here’s another English lesson for you to study.

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