SO...

[BlackThursday]

Over the past several years a new rule in grammar (or perhaps, style) seems to have emerged, a rule that requires us to begin the first paragraph of a message with the word so. Is there a rationale behind this? Does so serve any useful purpose at the beginning of a paragraph?

This is an inquiry into the way in which we communicate.

So, this is an inquiry into the way in which we communicate.


Is there any substantive difference between those two statements? If not, why not leave so out?

 

[bassinplace]

I don't think so.

 

[bongomania]

It is just a soft entry, to make the sentence seem casual or coolly ironic. "This is an inquiry" sounds like a lawyer working for the police. "So, this is an inquiry" sounds like a hipster trying to make a point at the bar.

 

[MatticusMania]

So, are you saying that we should not begin a paragraph with the word 'so'?

 

[slobake]

So, that would mean you are against it then.

Don't worry you will be used to us smart alecs pretty soon.

 

[EricF]

It seems to me that it should be used more like this:

So...what is your problem, exactly?

 

[sloasdaylight]

So, it would seem you have a problem with this?

 

[1958Bassman]

So, what?

 

[matante]

"So I sez to da guy, I sez..."

 

[arbitrary]

 

[ErebusBass]

So, it sounds like this is upsetting to you.

 

[fraublugher]

Say so we All!

Make it so .

So what.

Say it ain't so.

 

[elgecko]

EDIT: D'oh! Got beat to the punch on posting Peter Gabriel.

 

[macaroni tony]

Funny thing is (to me), in another couple of hundred years or so, it may be considered grammatically correct to start all informal sentences with "So"

 

[slobake]

So .. I says to myself "Self, what's the deal with talking to myself?"

 

[fraublugher]

So it's official , May 9th is TB's "I didn't read the OP but_____ day."

 

[Bloodhammer]

So many potential responses, so little time.

 

[Tarrbot]

So, starting a paragraph with an adverb as a jumping off point is a true sign of a lazy mind.

Personally, I dislike starting a paragraph with an adverb because it assumes familiarity when there really isn't that much familiarity in written words. The Internet crowd is a lazy sloppy crowd and I'm fine with being a part of it--despite those flaws.

 

[BlackThursday]

So, thanks for letting me, like, get that off my chest.

Don't worry you will be used to us smart alecs pretty soon.

Frankly, I was looking forward to much worse (or better).

 

[bigfatbass]

Can I ask why every professional athlete must start any response with: "yeah, I mean..."

Was there some part that they didn't mean they are referring to? And, when did they say it, because they haven't even said anything yet?