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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
so not to cause
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the sentence "so not to cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is being done to prevent a certain result from occurring. For example, "The company increased safety precautions so not to cause any further accidents."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Burns, feeling shocked and humiliated at being asked to conceal her 12-week-old daughter, tweeted a photograph of the incident, saying: "Asked to cover up with this ridiculous shroud while breastfeeding so not to cause offence at Claridge's".
News & Media
"Shame on you Claridge's: asked to cover up while #breastfeeding so not to cause offence," tweeted Zoe Crawford, while @berrykirei said: "Something human & natural made 2 look shameful, apology not good enough".
News & Media
Many are guilty of just sticking it out so not to cause a fuss but it's surprisingly easy to change course in first year and it's much easier to realise this sooner than later.
News & Media
Louise Burns tweeted: "Asked to cover up with this ridiculous shroud while breastfeeding so not to cause offence at Claridge's".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Luella Parsons said Chaplin had been persuaded to tone down his original idea so as not to cause further presecution of German Jews.
News & Media
But he added that Israel was "taking appropriate steps" in preparation and that it was doing so "judiciously and responsibly" so as not to cause panic or any escalation of the tensions.
News & Media
Participants choosing to review the transcripts will be asked to do so within a 10-day period so as not to cause delays to the analysis and completion of the project.
Science
"You bought the cards at separate kiosks so as not to cause suspicion," Mr. Kannaourides said, "so you could have contact with Hezbollah to prepare a strike against Israelis in Cyprus".
News & Media
Be careful not to use too much pressure so as not to cause discomfort, but apply enough pressure so as not to tickle the soles.
Wiki
Percy returned with promises of support for the Catholics, and Northumberland believed that James would go so far as to allow Mass in private houses, so as not to cause public offence.
Wiki
This has been kept from us so as not to cause undue alarm.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "so not to cause", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what action is being taken to prevent a specific negative outcome. This makes the purpose of the action more explicit and understandable.
Common error
Avoid double negatives when using "so not to cause". Ensure that the intended meaning is to prevent something, not to create a situation where something is required to happen. Clear and concise phrasing enhances understanding.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "so not to cause" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. As shown in Ludwig, it indicates that something is done with the specific goal of preventing a particular outcome.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
37%
Wiki
13%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "so not to cause" is a grammatically correct purpose connector used to express the intention of preventing a specific outcome. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. While the phrase is primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various types of communication. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "in order to avoid causing" or "so as to prevent causing" may be preferred. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in expressing the intention to prevent the stated outcome.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in order to avoid causing
More formal alternative using "in order to" which emphasizes intention or purpose.
so as to prevent causing
Formal alternative which adds an explicit element of prevention.
to prevent from causing
Direct and concise alternative focusing on prevention.
with the aim of not causing
Emphasizes the specific intention behind the action.
for the purpose of avoiding to cause
A more elaborate and formal version of the original phrase.
lest it should cause
Archaic and literary, implies fear or concern about the outcome.
to ensure it doesn't cause
Focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome.
so that it won't cause
More casual way to express the intention of prevention.
in an effort not to cause
Highlights the attempt or endeavor to prevent something.
with the intention of not causing
Highlights the deliberate intention to avoid something.
FAQs
How can I use "so not to cause" in a sentence?
The phrase "so not to cause" is used to indicate the reason for taking a particular action is to prevent something from happening. For example, "The company increased safety precautions so not to cause any further accidents."
What are some alternatives to using "so not to cause"?
You can use alternatives such as "in order to avoid causing", "so as to prevent causing", or "to prevent from causing" depending on the context.
Is "so not to cause" grammatically correct?
Yes, "so not to cause" is grammatically correct. It functions as a purpose connector, indicating that an action is taken to prevent a particular outcome.
What is the level of formality of the expression "so not to cause"?
The expression "so not to cause" can be used in various contexts, but is mostly considered to be neutral. For more formal situations, "in order to avoid causing" or "so as to prevent causing" might be more appropriate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested