but so that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but so that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to join two clauses to indicate that the action in the first clause (sentence) is being done in order to achieve the outcome expressed in the second clause. For example: He stayed up late, but so that he could finish his project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He jogs not for health but so that he can defend himself.

The New Yorker

But so that it doesn't seem mysterious, I want you to get the idea of how it works.

Yale University

Again, we obtain a complete classification but so that the different problems are DEXPTIME-complete, NEXPTIME-complete, co-NEXPTIME-complete or NEXPSPACE-complete (when they are not trivial).

Artificial Intelligence

But so that we can remain on good terms I offer to sing them a song of my choice.

Independent

So I'm using the same kind of tricky language that we'd used before, not to trick you, but so that you're not tricked in the future.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You have an opportunity to learn and grow — not only for yourself but so that you may contribute to the common good.

Stanford University

Sam is being educated, remember, not so as to enjoy himself, but so that other people will enjoy him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I avoided exercising throughout the experiment not only because I'm lazy but so that the end results would be unaffected.

The Guardian

Mourinho had employed Samuel Eto'o and Goran Pandev on the flanks — not because they are wingers, but so that they could prevent counterattacks from Chelsea's fullbacks.

The New York Times - Sports

But so that good Chinese money isn't spent in vain, he calls for a European commitment to "structural reform" to calm markets.

The New York Times

Ms Watts said that she felt under pressure to "mould" her reports "not for any news purpose" but so that they corroborated Mr Gilligan's.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but so that" to clearly link an action with its intended result, especially when contrasting it with an alternative purpose. For example, "He exercised not for enjoyment, but so that he could improve his health".

Common error

Avoid using "but so that" when a simpler conjunction like "so that" or "in order to" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Instead of "He studied hard, but so that he would pass the exam," consider "He studied hard so that he would pass the exam".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but so that" functions as a conjunction to introduce a clause of purpose, often contrasting it with an implied or stated alternative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it joins two clauses indicating that the first action is done to achieve the outcome in the second.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but so that" is a versatile connector used to express a specific intention or purpose, often in contrast to an alternative or implied reason. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and useful for clarifying motives behind actions. It's particularly prevalent in news media and academic writing, suggesting a formal yet accessible register. While highly functional, it's important not to overuse it, ensuring it adds clarity rather than unnecessary complexity to your writing. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a specific purpose, especially when there's a need to distinguish it from other possible motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order that

More formal alternative emphasizing purpose.

so as to

A concise alternative focused on intention.

with the aim of

Highlights the intended goal or objective.

for the purpose of

Emphasizes the specific reason for an action.

to the end that

Formal and somewhat archaic, indicating a desired result.

with the intention of

Highlights the planned or desired outcome.

to ensure that

Emphasizes the act of guaranteeing a specific result.

in that way

Focuses on the method or manner of achieving a result.

such that

Indicates a result or consequence.

thereby

Suggests a direct consequence or result of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "but so that" in a sentence?

Use "but so that" to connect two clauses where the first clause is done with the specific intention described in the second. For example, "She saved money, but so that she could travel next year".

What phrases are similar to "but so that"?

Alternatives include "in order that", "so as to", or "for the purpose of" depending on the level of formality desired.

Is it always necessary to use "but so that", or can I use 'so that'?

"But so that" is used to introduce a purpose while contrasting it with another reason. If there is no contrast, use the simpler "so that". For example, "She practiced every day so that she would win the competition".

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

Both phrases express purpose after a contrast. "But in order to" is generally more formal. Consider using "but so that" in less formal contexts for a smoother flow.