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Comparing "very" and "so": shades of emphasis
Reviewed and edited by 
Anwar Kareem 14/11/2024, 16:25
Anwar Kareem 14/11/2024, 16:25English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "very" and "so" can be used as adverbs to modify adjectives, intensifying their meaning.
What is different?
The word "very" is typically used in a more neutral, matter-of-fact manner, while "so" can imply a stronger emotional emphasis or suggest a contrastive or consequential meaning.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Very- This test is very difficult.
- She was very happy with the results.
- The room was very quiet.
- He was so excited that he couldn't sit still.
- This soup is so spicy!
- The car was so expensive that they couldn't afford it.
Difference
