So Why Is Everyone Saying “So”?
Is it OK to use the word “so” as a sentence starter? The Public Speaker explains why it is – and why everyone’s suddenly doing so.
Lisa B. Marshall
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So Why Is Everyone Saying “So”?
So last week, one of my listeners, Charles Eugene, sent me a great question: “Why does everyone seem to be starting their sentences with the word ‘so; lately?” He wanted to know if “so” is a disfluency, similar to “like,” “um,” and “ah.”.
Charles is right. The word “so” is everywhere lately. You hear it on TV and in radio interviews, and our friends use it in conversation. Facebook and Twitter users use it, too. “So I’m trying to decide if I should go out with friends, or stay home and go to bed early.” “So my latest book comes out next week…” And I’ve used it in the podcast (to the dismay of some listeners!)
So, let’s take a look at the sudden popularity of this little word:
So Don’t Bother With the Dictionary
The dictionary definition of “so” is of no help here. Most commonly, “so” is defined and used as an adverb, similar to “very” or “really.” As in, “You are so wrong.” “That movie was so bad.” My daughters use it to emphasize their point. “I love you so so so much.” Or, they might say to each other, “I SO don’t believe you!”
“So” is also commonly used as a conjunction, like “therefore,” to tie two logical thoughts together. For example: “I went to bed late, so it was hard to wake up this morning.” But what you won’t find in the dictionary is any formal reason to use “so” as a sentence starter.
So What Does the Research Say?
It turns out that there is research on the use of “so” as an introductory clause. Rutgers University published an academic paper entitled, “The Discourse Marker ‘So’ in English Conversation.” And inThe New York Times article, “Follow My Logic? A Connective Word Takes the Lead,” author Anand Giridhardas explains why “so” has taken the lead as a sentence starter. He gives examples of the repeated use of “so” in NPR interviews, and its use by prominent people, like this example from Hillary Rodham Clinton:
“So it’s not only because we believe that universal values support human rights being recognized and respected, but we think that it’s in the best interest for economic growth and political stability. So we believe that.”
Rutgers University researcher Galina Bolden explains that “so” at the beginning of sentence often marks a change in topic (called an “interactional agenda” by researchers.) For example, when I ask my daughters, “So did you finish your homework?,” I am indicating that I have been meaning to ask this question.
So Blame it on Microsoft
The wide use of “so” may have started in Silicon Valley.
The Times article also explains that the wide use of “so” may have started in Silicon Valley. Microsoft employees, the author says, claim the word’s popularity originated with them, as computer programmers often start sentences this way.
Giridhardas says this makes sense because “so” implies that a logical conclusion is being made. It sets up an “if this, then that” answer that appeals to more empirical thinkers. But others disagree, and believe it’s just a natural progression of the English language.
So Yes, “So” Is a Disfluency
Even if the “so” phenomenon originated with programmers, there is no doubt that it has quickly caught on with the rest of us. Most of us use “so” in our everyday conversations, and probably don’t even realize it.
My listener, Charles, is onto something when he asks if “so” is a disfluency. A disfluency is a word or a phrase that’s used to stall or fill air space. Common disfluencies we hear in speech are “um,” “ah,” and “like.” In some cases, then, “so” has become a filler, or a way to stall while we get our thoughts together.
No matter what you choose to call it or where it originated, this new use of “so” is probably here to stay. So…we may as well get used to it!
This is Lisa B. Marshall, Helping you maximize sales, manage perceptions, and enhance leadership through keynotes, workshops, books, and online courses. Passionate about communication; your success is my business. If you want even more success in your life, I invite you to read my latest book, Smart Talk, and listen to my other podcast, Smart Talk: Inspiring Conversations with Exceptional People.
Photo of girl with megaphone courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Lisa B. Marshall Lisa holds masters with duel degrees in interpersonal/intercultural communication and organizational communication. She’s the author of Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation, as well as Ace Your Interview, Powerful Presenter, and Expert Presenter. Her work has been featured in CBS Money Watch, Ragan.com, Woman’s Day, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and many others. Her institutional clients include Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harvard University, NY Academy of Science, University of Pennsylvania, Genentech, and Roche.