in so that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in so that" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express a purpose, such as in the following example sentence: I opened the window in so that fresh air could enter the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There is nothing driving them in, so that brings parents back to the basics they know.

The New York Times

where and are chosen in so that (3.5).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

But you could make it more difficult to get in, so that person goes somewhere else.

Vice

Many firms make equipment elsewhere and truck it in, so that fewer people have to toil in the cold.

The Economist

More sodium rushes in so that the process regenerates.

Cornell University

You box them in so that they go wrong themselves.

The Guardian

He zoomed in so that her eyeball was the size of a fifty-cent piece.

The New Yorker

• Keep the tops slim and tucked in, so that you have a smooth line.

The New York Times

The crowd joined in so that the effect was most remarkable.

The New York Times

O'Donovan's performance is raw and warm, welcoming us in so that our gaze is never intrusive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was happy to blend-in so that the locals thought I was one of them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in so that", ensure the clause following it clearly states the intended purpose or result of the preceding action. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "in so that" can sometimes sound overly formal or redundant, especially in casual writing. Consider using a simpler alternative like "so that" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in so that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the purpose or reason for the action in the main clause. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in so that" functions as a purpose connector, clearly indicating the intention behind an action. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "so that", it is suitable for various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and general writing. When using "in so that", make sure the purpose or result is clearly stated. A simpler alternative is often preferable in more casual writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so that

Omits "in", creating a more concise expression of purpose.

in order that

Replaces "so" with "order", offering a more formal alternative.

so as to

Expresses purpose in a more concise and sometimes more formal way.

such that

Indicates a condition that must be met, rather than direct purpose.

with the result that

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action.

to the end that

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to express purpose.

for the purpose of

Emphasizes the intention behind an action.

with the intention of

Highlights the intended outcome or goal.

so a way

Expresses purpose in a shorter way.

in this way

Indicates the method or manner by which something is achieved.

FAQs

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

The phrase "in so that" is used to introduce a clause of purpose, explaining the reason or aim behind an action. For example: "I opened the window "in so that" fresh air could enter the room".

What's a more concise alternative to "in so that"?

A more concise and often preferred alternative is "so that", which conveys the same meaning with fewer words. For example: "I saved the document so that I wouldn't lose my work".

Is there a difference between "in order that" and "in so that"?

While both phrases introduce a clause of purpose, "in order that" is generally considered more formal than "in so that". The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When is it best to use "in so that" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "in so that" when you want to explicitly emphasize the purpose or intention behind an action, particularly in formal writing or when clarity is paramount. However, consider using "so that" in less formal contexts.