How to use comma after So,

[Suthipong]

Do we have to use comma after "So," and are there any case that we don't have to use it?

[Rover_KE]

Suthipong, if you type Comma after 'so' in the Search box at the top of the page, you'll find links to previous answers to this question.

Rover

[TheParser]

Do we have to use comma after "So," and are there any case that we don't have to use it?

NOT A TEACHER


(1) As far as I know, one usually does not use a comma after the word "so":

(a) He did not study hard, so he failed the test.

(b) He did not study hard; so he failed the test.

(c) He did not study hard. So he failed the test.

(2) I believe that (a) is the most common use. It's being used as a coordinating

conjunction. (connecting two independent sentences.)

In (b) and (c) it's being used as an adverb (modifying "failed").

(3) In modern English, people usually (never?) use a comma after the word

"so." Can you give us an example?

[Rover_KE]

Never say 'never'.

So, occasionally, you'll see a comma after 'so', as one of a pair used parenthetically.

Rover

[Barb_D]

So, how is the new job going?
So, what do you think so far?
So, I was thinking...

It also has a role as a mild interjection.