so

(linking-words)

Found 19 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.

as a result

Result (common)

Nuance: Result

Clear and school-friendly.

Boring

It was raining, so we stayed inside.

Better

It was raining; as a result, we stayed inside.

that means

Result (spoken)

Nuance: Explanation

Good for spoken explanations.

Boring

The bus is late, so we should wait.

Better

The bus is late. That means we should wait.

then

Result/next step

Nuance: Next step

Works as next step in instructions.

Boring

You forgot your pencil, so borrow one from me.

Better

You forgot your pencil; then borrow one from me.

which meant that

Result (clause)

Nuance: Explanation

Great for explaining results.

Boring

The bus was late, so we had to wait.

Better

The bus was late, which meant that we had to wait.

as a consequence

Result (formal-ish)

Nuance: Result

Clear cause → effect.

Boring

It was raining, so we stayed inside.

Better

It was raining; as a consequence, we stayed inside.

consequently

Result (formal)

Nuance: Result

Formal cause→effect.

Boring

The team was losing, so they changed strategies.

Better

The team was losing; consequently, they changed strategies.

for that reason

Result (explicit)

Nuance: Reason

Explicit result connector.

Boring

We were unprepared, so we reviewed again.

Better

We were unprepared; for that reason, we reviewed again.

for this reason

Result (explicit)

Nuance: Reason

Good for explaining choices.

Boring

We chose a safer plan, so we would be safe.

Better

For this reason, we chose a safer plan.

therefore

Result (formal)

Nuance: Logical

Formal and logical.

Boring

We were often late, so we started earlier.

Better

We were often late; therefore, we started earlier.

thus

Result (formal)

Nuance: Conclusion

Formal conclusion word.

Boring

The evidence is clear, so the claim is supported.

Better

The evidence is clear; thus, the claim is supported.

accordingly

Result (formal)

Nuance: Official

Formal; often in reports.

Boring

The schedule changed, so it was updated.

Better

Accordingly, the schedule was updated.

as such

Result (formal)

Nuance: Analytical

Formal; used in analysis.

Boring

The evidence was weak, so the claim was unconvincing.

Better

The evidence was weak; as such, the claim was unconvincing.

hence

Result (formal)

Nuance: Formal

Formal; can sound advanced.

Boring

The path was icy, so we walked slowly.

Better

The path was icy; hence, we walked slowly.

in consequence

Result (formal)

Nuance: Formal

Very formal; similar to consequently.

Boring

The plan changed, so the schedule changed.

Better

In consequence, the plan was changed.

in turn

Chain result

Nuance: Chain

Good for chain effects.

Boring

The first change improved focus, so grades rose.

Better

The first change improved focus; in turn, grades rose.

resulting in

Result (phrase)

Nuance: Result

Formal; often in reports.

Boring

The storm grew stronger, so games were canceled.

Better

The storm grew stronger, resulting in canceled games.

thereby

Result (formal, means “by that” )

Nuance: Linked

Formal; links action to result.

Boring

He apologized, so he ended the argument.

Better

He apologized, thereby ending the argument.

thereupon

Result (very formal)

Nuance: Very formal

Very formal; use rarely.

Boring

The alarm rang, so everyone left the building.

Better

The alarm rang; thereupon, everyone left the building.

this led to

Result (chain)

Nuance: Chain

Good for chain effects.

Boring

The team practiced daily, so results improved.

Better

The team practiced daily; this led to better results.