Avoiding repetition with so/not
Definition
After certain verbs, so can replace a positive clause and not can replace a negative clause. The substituted idea must already be clear from the conversation or text.
Examples
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Will it rain? I think so.
So replaces the positive idea that it will rain.
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Is Maya leaving? I hope not.
Not replaces the negative idea that Maya is not leaving.
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Are they ready? I suppose so.
So keeps the response concise while preserving the earlier proposition.
So vs. not
Do you think the plan will work? I believe so.
So stands for that the plan will work.
Will the meeting be cancelled? I hope not.
Not stands for that the meeting will not be cancelled.
So substitutes for an affirmative proposition. Not substitutes for its negative counterpart.
The pattern is limited to particular verbs
Common verbs in this pattern include think, believe, suppose, expect, imagine, hope, appear and seem, but their negative patterns are not identical.
-
Will she accept? I expect so.
Expect so is a conventional positive response.
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Will she refuse? I do not think so.
With think, the usual conversational negative is often I don't think so, rather than I think not.
Common mistakes
Will they arrive today? I want so.
Will they arrive today? I hope so.
Want does not normally allow clause substitution with so in this pattern.
Is the shop closed? I don't hope so.
Is the shop closed? I hope not.
The conventional negative pattern with hope is hope not.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which response means that the speaker believes the positive idea?
I think so uses so to replace a positive clause.Which response naturally expresses a negative hope?
I hope not is the conventional way to substitute for a negative clause after hope.Which sentence uses a conventional substitution pattern?
Expect so is an established verb + so substitution pattern.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
Work on avoiding repetition with so/not with Lingadoo
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