So...

Little House on Unaka | November 19, 2013 | don-o

[don-o]

I was taught that a preposition is a bad thing with which to end a sentence. I do not recall being taught about beginning a sentence with an adverb. I raise the matter, because recently I have heard an increasing use of the word “so” as the first word in a sentence in response to a question.

I first noticed this in Congressional hearings. Now I am hearing it on the radio. On NPR this morning there was a story about the relationship between commute to work times and political involvement. The interviewee spoke English well, with perhaps an Indian accent. In a five to eight minute piece, he began maybe five of his responses with “so”

My questions are:

1. Has anyone else noticed this?
2. Is it a new speech pattern?
3. How did it get started?

[goldi]

Yes, I’ve noticed it and it’s annoying.

[lonestar]

So what? :)

[Kenton]

Yeah, I’ve noticed it too, and it’s like nails on a chalkboard.

[holden]

I’d say it’s a nearly universally understood—though often probably subconsciously—way to attempt to change the subject or redirect it more narrowly. I can’t think of another more succinct formula that accomplishes that.

HF

[rycharn]

I’ve noticed it, and I’ve also noticed that it’s sometimes a signal that the upcoming answer is going to be irrelevant to the question.

It’s annoying, but not as annoying as “here’s the thing.”

[InterceptPoint]

I’d say it’s a nearly universally understood—though often probably subconsciously—way to attempt to change the subject or redirect it more narrowly.

Actually I vote for OK.

I take it as a way of picking up from a statement made by someone else and drawing a conclusion from it. So, (LOL) the use of "so" is like the continuation of that statement and is used to emphasize that point.

And, have you noticed the increasing use of "and" as the first word in a sentence. I never do it but many others do. ;)

[a fool in paradise]

“So” also establishes what came before as settled “fact” (”taking this for granted we will now consider...”).

In Japanese, I was taught that if you make a presumptive statement, you should end it with “isn’t that so?”.

[momtothree]

I have noticed that as well. I have also noticed people using the word “literally” incorrectly/and commonly. “I was literally sick to my stomach” or “I literally had to sit down” (both cases NOT involving throwing up or having to sit down). A pet peeve of mine...

[pabianice]

So I am, like, so with you.

[cripplecreek]

I think of Pink Floyd.

“So”

[Tenacious 1]

I have never really given it much thought and have been trying to reflect on my own behavior. I do a lot of speaking.

I can see where it would indicate a continuance of thought from one person to another. But I have to agree, now that I think about it.

So, in line with your thinking, speculatively assuming that your premise is true and the inquiry is righteous, I guess I agree.

[don-o]

I’d say it’s a nearly universally understood—though often probably subconsciously—way to attempt to change the subject or redirect it more narrowly.

In political matters, I think you are correct. However, in the discussion of commute times, the fellow was being responsive to the question. It was as if he were substituting "so" for "uh." The problem with that is that "so" is a real word with rules for proper usage. "Uh" (as per Obama) is a time filler to craft out the next lie.

[momtothree]

... speculatively assuming that your premise is true and the inquiry is righteous”

Now you’ve done gone and used big words on us. :)

[FNU LNU]

This reminds me of the story of the little boy who, upstairs sick in bed, asked his mother, “What did you bring this book I wanted to be read to out of up for?”

[don-o]

Now you’ve done gone and used big words on us. :)

One of the things that originally attracted me to this board was the opportunity to hone my written communication skill. I do not know if I have made much progress. I do recall "back in the day" an ungrammatical usage or a misspelled word would get you noticed and dismissed as not a serious person.

Maybe all those people got the zot.

[Eva]

Lot’s of grammar is being ignored because of the internet. Using “so” to start a response, is more like finishing the questioner’s thought for them, restating what the other person has said and re-interpreting it at the same. James Taranto at the WSJ used a word for this concept, but I’ll be darned if I remember it. I had to look it up at the time. It is meant to be a trick, that’s why it is annoying.

[Ditter]

So like, when someone says “so”, OK, like, every few words OK, that like, bothers you? So, what are you, OK, like picky? Right?

There are things that bother me a whole lot more than “so”.

The interview with Caroline Kennedy comes to mind, OK?

[don-o]

“What did you bring this book I wanted to be read to out of up for?”

He could have simply asked "Why did you throw me upstairs my book?"

[NEMDF]

Yes, I have also noticed it. It seems that “so” is being used to begin sentences more often these days, and “like” is being used less frequently.

I do not believe that schools are putting enough (for our preferences and sensibilities, anyway) emphasis on proper usage and grammar.

I doubt this situation will ever improve, with the broad acceptance of ethnic speech patterns and all of the social media impacts on language and communications.