so that we

USAGE SUMMARY

"so that we" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to connect two clauses, with the first clause describing a goal or purpose and the second clause stating the means by which the goal or purpose is achieved. Example sentence: I revised my essay multiple times so that we could receive the best grade.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

So that we can rebuild.

The New York Times

So, that we are in this together.

Yale University

So that we would have free elections.

The Guardian

So that we can have a future".

The New York Times

so that we can build it together.

The New Yorker

Let's make films so that we understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

She arranges matters so that we do.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"So that day we were not killed".

The New Yorker

So, that means we'll have a=1.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, that means we choose latitude/longitude.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So that means we're more vulnerable".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so that we" to clearly express the intended outcome or purpose of an action. Ensure the clause following "so that we" directly relates to and achieves the goal described in the preceding clause.

Common error

Ensure the subject of the clause following "so that we" is clear. Avoid constructions where it's unclear who "we" refers to, as this can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so that we" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that expresses the purpose or intended result of the action in the main clause. It clarifies why something is done, linking the action to its desired outcome, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

34%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so that we" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate purpose or intent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific domains, it serves to connect an action with its desired outcome. When using "so that we", ensure clarity in subject reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in order that we" offer a more formal tone, while "so we can" provides a concise option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order that we

More formal synonym emphasizing purpose.

in order for us to

Focuses on the necessary steps for achieving something.

to ensure that we

Emphasizes the goal of making something certain.

so we can

A more concise and informal alternative.

to allow us to

Focuses on providing opportunity or permission.

for the purpose of us

Highlights the intention behind an action, focusing on the 'purpose'.

with the intention of us

Highlights the deliberate intent behind an action.

with the aim of us

Similar to 'for the purpose of', but uses 'aim' to convey intention.

to the end that we

A more emphatic and formal way of expressing purpose.

that we might

More literary and somewhat archaic.

FAQs

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

Use "so that we" to connect a cause and effect, explaining the purpose of an action. For instance, "We need to invest in education "so that we" can build a stronger future".

What are some alternatives to "so that we"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in order that we", "to ensure that we", or "for the purpose of us".

Is it more formal to say "in order that we" instead of "so that we"?

Yes, "in order that we" is generally considered more formal than ""so that we"". The latter is more common in everyday speech and informal writing.

What is the difference between "so that we" and "because we"?

"So that we" indicates purpose or intention, while "because we" explains a reason or cause. For example, "We studied hard "so that we" would pass the exam" (purpose), versus "We passed the exam "because we" studied hard" (reason).