Consequences (så)

Connecting Causes and Results with "så"

In Swedish, you can link a cause directly to its result using the coordinating conjunction så (so). It joins two main clauses to show a consequence.

Because så is a coordinating conjunction, the word order in the second clause remains standard: the subject comes before the verb.

It is snowing, so the road is slippery.
Det snöar, så vägen är hal.
The road is slippery, so you must be careful.
Vägen är hal, så du måste vara försiktig.

Describing Chains of Events

Use så to narrate a sequence where one action directly causes the next. This is especially useful for sudden situations, like traffic accidents or reacting to road hazards.

I braked, so the car stopped.
Jag bromsade, så bilen stannade.
He did not brake, so he crashed.
Han bromsade inte, så han krockade.
An accident occurred, so the traffic stopped.
En olycka skedde, så trafiken stannade.

Explaining Next Steps

Så is also frequently used to explain why you are taking a certain action to solve a problem. State the issue in the first clause, and use så to introduce your solution or request for help.

The engine is broken, so we are waiting here.
Motorn är trasig, så vi väntar här.
The car is in the ditch, so you must help us.
Bilen är i diket, så du måste hjälpa oss.
The car is broken, so we are calling the tow truck.
Bilen är trasig, så vi ringer bärgaren.
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