Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Subsequently or soon afterward: Used to indicate that an event or action happens after another in time or as a consequence. It often functions as a sentence connector to show sequence or result.

Usage

• As a sentence connector: "And so" is used to link a consequence or subsequent event to a previous statement. It is typically placed at the beginning of a clause.
• Indicating sequence or result: It shows that one thing follows logically or chronologically from another.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The meeting ran late, and so I missed my train. (The consequence of the late meeting was missing the train.)
  • She finished her work, and so she decided to leave. (The completion of work led to the decision to leave.)
  • The path was blocked, and so we took a detour. (The blockage was the reason for taking a different route.)

Advanced Usage

• Formal and literary use: "And so" can be used to provide a concluding or summarizing transition, especially in narrative or formal writing.
  • The evidence was overwhelming, and so the jury reached a verdict quickly.
• As a stand-alone concluding phrase: In spoken or informal written narrative, it can succinctly indicate the end of a sequence of events.
  • He apologized, she forgave him, and so they made up. (This summarizes the resolution.)

Variants and Related Words

• Then: An adverb with a similar sequential meaning (e.g., ).
• Therefore: A more formal adverb indicating a logical conclusion (e.g., ).
• Consequently: An adverb highlighting a direct result (e.g., ).
• Thus: A formal adverb meaning "as a result" or "in this way" (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Subsequently
• Afterward
• Thereupon

Related Phrases

• And so on (and so forth): Used at the end of a list to indicate that it continues in a similar manner.
  • She packed clothes, books, toiletries, and so on.
• And so it goes: An idiomatic phrase expressing resigned acceptance of a recurring or inevitable situation.
  • Every year the budget gets cut, and so it goes.

Notes on Usage

• "And so" connects two independent clauses and is usually preceded by a comma when linking complete sentences.
• It is less formal than "therefore" or "consequently" but is standard in both written and spoken English.
• Avoid overusing "and so" in formal writing; varying connectors can improve style.

Adverb

1. subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
   • then he left
   • go left first, then right
   • first came lightning, then thunder
   • we watched the late movie and then went to bed
   • and so home and to bed