Very + Adj vs So + Adj

[jupiter]

Hi Teachers,

Please see these sentences:

I'm very happy that she passed her exam.

I'm so happy that she passed her exam.

Is there any difference between them?

Thanks in advance

Jupiter

[Pond969]

There is little funtional difference between the two. Both suggest that you are pleased that the person in question passed an exam. How happy you are would be expressed by the emphasis you put on 'very' or 'so' in the oral expression.

[jupiter]

Hi Pond969

Thanks a lot for your help.
But could you please explain in details about their funtional difference?

Thanks again in advance

Jupiter

[Pond969]

Jupiter ... in written English the two expressions are the same. They are in oral English as well, but,depending on the tonal emphasis you put on the words 'so' or very' you can indicate to what degree you are happy.

It is difficult to indictate in written English, but:

"I am so happy he passed his exam" suggests a mild pleasure, while...

"I am *SO* happy he passed his exam" suggests a real, definite and extreme pleasure.

[Alan]

Hi Jupiter,

I think the word we want is 'functional' suggesting the job of work the words do. Clearly 'so' and 'very' indicate more or greater happiness in your sentences but 'so' has become downgraded. The full 'function' of 'so' can be found in its rightful connection with 'that' in the sense of result. You can see this in a sentence like: I am so happy he passed his exam that I want to give him a present.

A
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Only Three Letters