conjunction

so that

soh THAT

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So that (conjunction) means used to introduce the purpose or intention behind an action. Example: “Leave a light on so that they can find the door.”

conjunction

Used to introduce the purpose or intention behind an action.

"Leave a light on so that they can find the door."

"I wrote it down so that I would not forget."

Used to introduce the result of something, especially after so or such.

"The road was flooded, so that nobody could get through."

"He shouted so loudly that the neighbours came out."

How to use so that

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt shows why you did something, or what happened because of it.

When to use it

In speech that is very often dropped: "I came early so I could get a seat." Keeping it is slightly more formal.

Memory tip

Purpose clauses usually take a modal: so that I can, so that they will, so that it would.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

so as to in order to such that

Common pairings

so that we can so that it does not so that everyone knows

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Leave a light on _____ they can find the door.

Etymology

From Middle English so that, so þat, sa þat, swo þat, swa þat, from Old English swā þæt, equivalent to so + that. Cognate with Saterland Frisian sodät, West Frisian sadat, Dutch zodat, German sodaß, sodass.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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in order that so as to in order to with the result that

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between so that and in order to?

In order to is followed by a bare verb and needs the same subject: "I left early in order to catch the train." So that is followed by a full clause and can change the subject: "I left early so that she could use the car."

Can you drop the that in so that?

Yes, in the purpose sense, and it is normal in speech and informal writing. Keep that when the sentence is long or the meaning could otherwise be misread as the word so meaning therefore.

What is the meaning of so that?

"so that" (conjunction) means used to introduce the purpose or intention behind an action.

What is another word for so that?

Other words for "so that" include in order that, so as to, in order to, with the result that.