Re: Stickler *23/8/06 *Spoiler*

Steve B. wrote:

Hmmm. I'm sure you're right, it's just that I can't make it work: to me "so"
means "therefore", *"if"* means "provided". I haven't been able construct a
sentence using "so" as "provided" or "on condition that".

I've just had a glance at the online OED. It does dive a few examples under the heading:

26. a. so (that), in limiting sense: On condition that, provided that, so long as, if only.

Of course the examples are all historical such as,

1523 FITZHERB. Husb. §43 Butter and swynes grease..are good, soo they be not salte.

and in most cases so long as and if only fit better than provided that to my modern ear.

Indeed it does, but it doesn't make me go "ah-ha!" _I_ still can't think of
a sentence where "use" has this meaning, even though Chambers says it has.

Interestingly, the OED does not list treat as a possible definition use, nor does it list use under treat.

Now you really must let me get on with some work!

Colin
.

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