As both a conjunction and an adverb, the word “so” has various nuances that contribute to the meaning and flow of sentences.

1. Conjunction Function: When used as a conjunction, “so” is used to connect two clauses, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. For example: “She studied hard, so she passed the exam.” Here, “so” signifies the result of the preceding clause.

2. Adverb Function Modifying Verbs: As an adverb modifying verbs, “so” is used to intensify the verb or indicate a degree. For example: “He walked so slowly.” Here, “so” emphasizes the manner or degree of the action.

3. Adverb Function Modifying Adjectives: When “so” is used as an adverb modifying adjectives, it adds emphasis or intensity to the adjective. For example: “The movie was so boring.” Here, “so” emphasizes the extent of the adjective.

4. Impact on Sentence Meaning and Flow: The dual role of “so” impacts sentence meaning by clarifying the relationship between clauses or adding emphasis to verbs or adjectives. The flow of information is influenced by how “so” is used, guiding the reader or listener through the cause-and-effect connections or emphasizing specific aspects of the sentence.

Overall, the nuanced usage of “so” as both a conjunction and an adverb allows for precise and varied expression in writing and speech.