Very vs. so: what’s the difference?
The short answer
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.
What they have in common
Both very and so can be used as adverbs to modify adjectives, intensifying their meaning.
Examples
very
- This test is very difficult.
- She was very happy with the results.
- The room was very quiet.
so
- 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.
Which one is more common?
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