Example:
Although Karla had been in this area many times before, this was the first time she'd seen this coffee shop. So she decided to give it a try.
Can I use thus instead of so in the example above? Would that change the meaning of the sentence?
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1It is logical and grammatical, but very stuffy (and not very common) in US English. You might find thus used this way in formal argument, but not common speech or informal writing.– bibCommented Sep 26, 2013 at 2:16
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1I use both equally, in more formal explanations on ELU. Never in a less formal setting. The tone of your text is far from being formal enough to warrant thus.– Talia FordCommented Sep 26, 2013 at 2:24
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There is a slight difference in meaning. ‘So’ in this case is more or less equivalent to ‘as such’ or ‘as a result’, where ‘thus’ is synonymous with ‘therefore’ or ‘for that reason’. One emphasises the reasoning, the other the outcome.– Janus Bahs JacquetCommented Sep 26, 2013 at 10:14
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1 Answer
Yes. 'Thus' or 'hence' are a bit more formal; words more likely to be found in essays etc. 'So' in this sense is more conversational.
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But thus is so much closer to the language of Milton and Shakespeare ;) Commented Sep 26, 2013 at 13:15
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I mean t'say, wha' yer on abaut,mplungian, anyfink goes dunnit? Should we maintain a high standard of English prose, or should we just accept whatever gets spoken in the street as 'English'?– user52780Commented Sep 26, 2013 at 15:06