But these uses of so (equivalent to accordingly or to so that) are somewhat colloquial and should, as a rule, be avoided in writing. A simple correction, usually serviceable, is to omit the word so and begin the first clause with as or since: a) I had never been in the place before; so I had difficulty in finding my way about. b) As I had never been in the place before, I had difficulty in finding my way about.
