The 'so that' clause in English is a versatile grammatical tool used to express purpose ('in order to') or result ('with the result that'). It's frequently used in both spoken and written English, often paired with modal verbs like 'can,' 'could,' 'will,' or 'would' to clearly convey intention or consequence.
Why Mastering 'So That' Clauses is Crucial for English Learners
As your English proficiency grows, understanding sentence structure becomes as vital as vocabulary acquisition. The 'so that' clause, particularly useful for explaining reasons or intentions, is a common construction in everyday conversations among native English speakers. Properly grasping this structure will significantly enhance the naturalness of your spoken English and improve your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. 'So that' clauses primarily serve two functions: indicating purpose and indicating result. Accurately distinguishing between these two nuances and practicing with examples is key to mastering this grammatical concept. For instance, in the sentence 'He studied hard so that he could pass the exam,' the phrase 'he could pass the exam' clearly states the 'purpose' of studying hard. Conversely, in 'It rained heavily, so that the roads were closed,' the phrase 'the roads were closed' describes the 'result' of the heavy rain.
How to Use 'So That' for Expressing Purpose
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When a 'so that' clause indicates 'purpose,' it's typically translated as 'in order to' or 'for the purpose of.' It explains the reason or intention behind an action in the main clause. This construction often includes modal verbs such as 'can,' 'could,' 'will,' 'would,' 'may,' or 'might.' For example, the sentence 'I am saving money so that I can travel abroad' means 'I am saving money for the purpose of traveling abroad,' clearly showing the intention behind the saving. Another example, 'She speaks slowly so that everyone can understand,' explains the purpose of speaking slowly. The clause following 'so that' clarifies why the action in the main clause is being performed. This is extremely useful in spoken English when you want to clearly communicate your intentions to someone.
How to Use 'So That' for Expressing Result
Beyond purpose, 'so that' clauses can also express 'result,' meaning 'with the result that' or 'consequently.' For instance, 'It snowed heavily, so that the roads were closed' indicates that the heavy snowfall led to the consequence of road closures. Another example is 'The baby cried loudly, so that everyone turned around,' meaning the baby's loud crying resulted in people looking around. However, in casual everyday conversation, native speakers often prefer using 'so' to express simple results rather than 'so that.' The 'so that' construction for results tends to be used when you want to emphasize or clearly define the cause-and-effect relationship.
Distinguishing 'So That' from Similar Expressions
Several expressions share similar meanings with 'so that.' 'In order that' conveys purpose, much like 'so that,' but it's considered more formal and is typically found in written English. For example, 'We left early in order that we wouldn’t miss the train' sounds more formal than using 'so that.' 'So as to' is used to express purpose concisely, usually followed by a verb in its base form, like 'He studied hard so as to pass the exam.' While these alternatives exist, 'so that' remains the most natural and widely used expression in everyday spoken English. It's also crucial to differentiate 'so that' from 'so.' 'So' is generally used to connect simple results, as in 'He was tired, so he went to bed early.' In contrast, 'so that' is more suited for explaining specific purposes or intentions, as in 'He went to bed early so that he could wake up refreshed.' Choosing the appropriate expression based on the context is key to effective communication.
Explore the precise meanings and applications of 'so that' clauses in more detail.
