So, Not and Do So as Substitutes
I can replace an action or proposition while preserving reference, polarity and register.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Start with the contrast
“Will the committee approve the plan?” “I hope so.” “Will they cancel the meeting?” “I hope not.” “Anyone wishing to withdraw may do so by Friday.” So and not stand for propositions after hope, while do so replaces the action of withdrawing. A substitute is useful only when its reference is recoverable.
Read the situation transcript
“Will the committee approve the plan?” “I hope so.” “Will they cancel the meeting?” “I hope not.” “Anyone wishing to withdraw may do so by Friday.” So and not stand for propositions after hope, while do so replaces the action of withdrawing. A substitute is useful only when its reference is recoverable.
In the final sentence, does do so stand for the whole proposition that a committee will approve a plan?
Compare your idea
No. It replaces the action withdraw in that local sentence.
How it works
Propositional so and not occur after particular verbs and expressions: I think so, I hope not, I’m afraid so. The surrounding question and expression determine the intended polarity; not every verb permits the same substitution pattern.
Do so is a relatively explicit action substitute, often more formal than a simple auxiliary reply. Keep its antecedent clear. It cannot replace an arbitrary noun or be inserted into every construction that permits omitted material. Where several actions compete, repeat the intended verb.
Proposition substitutes: think/hope + so/not as licensed. Action substitute: do so, with tense carried by do.
Notice this
Will they approve it? I hope so.
The hoped-for proposition is approval.
Compare this
Will they cancel it? I hope not.
The hoped-for outcome is non-cancellation.
Hear the examples
Will they approve it? I hope so.
The hoped-for proposition is approval.
Will they cancel it? I hope not.
The hoped-for outcome is non-cancellation.
Applicants may withdraw; anyone doing so should notify us.
Doing so refers to withdrawing.
Jo revised the draft, and Lee did so too.
Did so replaces revised the draft in this action context.
One mistake worth avoiding
Instead of: I know so, intended as a normal reply meaning I know that the plan is approved.
Say: I know that the plan is approved.
Know does not normally take propositional so in this reply pattern.
You say
Hear the prompt, answer aloud, then deliberately reveal or hear one possible model. Check it and retry with a changed detail.
Your turn 1
Use so to endorse a clearly identified proposition tentatively.
Compare a possible model
Reveal the model text
Will the plan work? I think so.
Check yourself: State what so refers to when checking your answer.
Retry with one detail of your own. Other wording is welcome when it meets this check.
Your turn 2
Use not to express a hoped-for negative outcome.
Compare a possible model
Reveal the model text
Will they cancel the meeting? I hope not.
Check yourself: Do not confuse non-cancellation with cancellation.
Retry with one detail of your own. Other wording is welcome when it meets this check.
Your turn 3
Replace one clearly identified action using do so.
Compare a possible model
Reveal the model text
You may withdraw your application; please do so before Friday.
Check yourself: Ensure there is only one plausible action antecedent.
Retry with one detail of your own. Other wording is welcome when it meets this check.
Two guided self-checks
Say or write your answer before opening a model.
Self-check 1
Expand “I hope not” after “Will they cancel the meeting?”
Compare a model and explanation
I hope they will not cancel the meeting.
Preserve the negative outcome being hoped for.
Self-check 2
Explain why “They revised and circulated it; Lee did so too” may be unclear.
Compare a model and explanation
Did so may be taken to cover both actions or the most salient one; repeat the intended action if the distinction matters.
Recoverability matters more than mere brevity.
Check your understanding
Choose one answer to each question, then check your answers. One of the ten questions is listening.
Automatic scoring needs JavaScript. Use the answer key after attempting all ten questions.
Answer key with explanations
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After “Will they approve it?”, I hope so means ___.
I hope they will approve it.: So stands for the positive proposition in this question, with hope rather than certainty.
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After “Will they cancel it?”, I hope not means ___.
I hope they will not cancel it.: Not gives the negative proposition after hope.
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In “You may withdraw; please do so by Friday”, do so replaces ___.
withdraw: The substitute represents the recoverable action.
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Which reply is the normal target pattern after “Do you know the result?”
I know the result.: Know does not normally use propositional so in this sense; repeat the complement or use an appropriate full reply.
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A sentence mentions revising and circulating; only revising is intended in the reply. Which is clearest?
Lee revised it too.: Repeating the verb removes the competing-action ambiguity.
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Which action substitute preserves a completed past action?
Jo revised it, and Lee did so too.: Did carries the past tense in the substitute.
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Does I think so establish certainty?
No: Think presents an assessment; the substitute does not strengthen it into proof.
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What action may be performed by Friday?
Withdrawing an application: Do so refers back to withdraw your application.
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Which description best separates the mechanisms?
So/not can substitute for a proposition; do so can replace a recoverable action.: The kind of antecedent and the licensing expression matter.
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What should govern substitution?
Clear reference, appropriate polarity and a construction that permits the substitute: A short substitute succeeds only when the intended content remains clear.
Take it with you
I can replace an action or proposition while preserving reference, polarity and register.