The use of "so" in [Just] As X, [so] [too] Y

This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 am

The use of "so" in [Just] As X, [so] [too] Y

by vinay2 » Sun Oct 10, 2010 3:23 pm
I have seen all of the following variations being called correct in reliable sources:

1. Just as X, so Y (Just as you sow, so shall you reap.)
2. Just as X, Y (Just as she entered the room, there was a loud bang. OR Just as singing relieves stress, reading relieves..)
3. As X, so Y (As you sow, so shall you reap.)
4. As X, Y (As she entered the room, there was a loud bang.)

I need to find a simple rule of thumb to know when to you use "so" and when not to. I have figured out that "so" and "so too" are identical, and "just as" and "as" are identical. So it boils down to when to use "so" and when not to.

My theory is that "so" seems to mean "and therefore or as a consequence AND in a similar manner", while when "so" is dropped, it means either "at the same time or likewise" or "in a similar way". That is, without so, Y can't be a consequence of X. Is this true? Is this is the test for whether "so" should be added or not?

Vinay.
Source: — Sentence Correction |

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 641
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:07 pm
Location: Madison, WI
Thanked: 162 times
Followed by:45 members
GMAT Score:760

by Jim@Grockit » Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:01 pm
vinay2 wrote:I have seen all of the following variations being called correct in reliable sources:

1. Just as X, so Y (Just as you sow, so shall you reap.)
2. Just as X, Y (Just as she entered the room, there was a loud bang. OR Just as singing relieves stress, reading relieves..)
3. As X, so Y (As you sow, so shall you reap.)
4. As X, Y (As she entered the room, there was a loud bang.)

I need to find a simple rule of thumb to know when to you use "so" and when not to. I have figured out that "so" and "so too" are identical, and "just as" and "as" are identical. So it boils down to when to use "so" and when not to.

My theory is that "so" seems to mean "and therefore or as a consequence AND in a similar manner", while when "so" is dropped, it means either "at the same time or likewise" or "in a similar way". That is, without so, Y can't be a consequence of X. Is this true? Is this is the test for whether "so" should be added or not?

Vinay.
"So" in these cases expresses proportionality and manner more than consequence, but you have the right idea. Also note that the "as . . . so" construction is a bit archaic.

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 am

by vinay2 » Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:56 am
Thanks Jim: Proportionality makes a lot of sense! Looks like the difference is fairly subtle and GMAT wouldn't try to test for this. If it does, I will use the proportionality (and may be consequence) test to break the tie.

• Page 1 of 1