Pronunciation: [hˌa͡ʊ sˈə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The phrase "how so" may seem straightforward, but the spelling can cause confusion. The "how" is pronounced with an /aʊ/ sound like the word "now", while the "so" is pronounced with a /səʊ/ sound like the word "go". This makes the spelling of "how so" different from its phonetic pronunciation. It's important to understand the correct sounds when pronouncing this phrase in order to clearly communicate your ideas.
The phrase "how so" is an idiomatic expression used to seek further clarification or explanation about a particular statement or claim. It can be interpreted as a request for more detailed information or evidence regarding a statement made by someone.
When used in conversation, "how so" aims to dig deeper into the rationale or justification behind a statement in order to gain a better understanding of the topic at hand. It encourages the person making the statement to elaborate on their reasoning, thereby facilitating a clearer comprehension for the listener.
While the literal meaning of the phrase suggests an inquiry about the manner or method in which something has occurred or is being done, linguistically, "how so" is typically used in a broader sense. It is often employed to probe into the reasoning or underlying facts that support a particular viewpoint, claim, or conclusion. By asking "how so," the interlocutor is seeking a more extensive explanation, justification, or clarification regarding the subject matter.
Overall, "how so" is an indirect way of requesting additional information, details, or evidence to better understand a statement, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive and informed conversation or discussion.
The phrase "how so" is derived from Old English and has its roots in Middle English. The word "how" comes from the Old English word "hū", which means "in what way" or "by what means". The word "so" comes from the Old English word "swā", which means "in such a way" or "thus". Over time, these two words were combined to form the phrase "how so", which is used to inquire about the manner or reason behind something.
