so that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to connect two clauses in a sentence to indicate the purpose or goal of the preceding clause. For example: She takes her dog for a walk every day so that it can get some exercise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that was comforting".

The New York Times - Sports

So that should help.

The New York Times

"So that frustrates me".

The New York Times - Sports

So that is past.

The New Yorker

So that was good".

The Guardian

So that helps.

The New York Times - Sports

"So that was unpleasant".

The New York Times

So that means bombing.

Independent

So that was settled.

The New Yorker

So that was out.

The New Yorker

So that is something.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness and less emphasis on formality, consider alternatives like "to" or "in order to" if they suit your sentence structure and maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid separating "so" and "that" with other words unless you're using "so" as an intensifier (e.g., "He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately"). When expressing purpose, keep "so that" together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, connecting a main clause with a subordinate clause of purpose or result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, clarifying why something is done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so that" is a versatile conjunction used to express purpose or result, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "in order that" exist, "so that" offers a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. Ensure clarity by keeping the phrase intact and using it to connect actions with their intended outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order that

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the intended purpose.

so as to

A more concise way of expressing purpose.

with the result that

Focuses on the consequence or outcome of an action.

to ensure that

Focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome.

in such a way that

Highlights the manner in which something is done to achieve a specific outcome.

to the end that

A formal phrase indicating the ultimate goal or purpose.

with the aim of

Highlights the desired outcome or objective.

for the purpose of

Emphasizes the intention behind an action.

with the intention of

Similar to "for the purpose of", but slightly more explicit about intent.

in that way

Indicates a method or manner leading to a particular result.

FAQs

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

"So that" is used to introduce a clause of purpose or result. For example, "She studied hard "so that" she could pass the exam."

What phrases are similar to "so that"?

Alternatives include "in order that", "in such a way that", or "to ensure that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"So that" introduces a clause with a subject and a verb, while "in order to" is typically followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "She saved money "so that" she could buy a car" versus "She saved money "in order to" buy a car".

Can I use "that" instead of "so that"?

While "that" can sometimes introduce a result clause, it's generally clearer and more precise to use ""so that"" when expressing purpose. "That" is more commonly used to introduce noun clauses or relative clauses.