so that we can

USAGE SUMMARY

"so that we can" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any situation where you are talking about the purpose of an action. For example: "We are taking a break from our studies, so that we can refresh our minds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that we can rebuild.

The New York Times

So that we can have a future".

The New York Times

so that we can build it together.

The New Yorker

Call us today so that we can fight for you!

Cornell University

by teleph., so that we can renew our old camaraderie.

Princeton University

Please report broken links so that we can fix them.

Stanford University

It's so that we can respond to unexpected circumstances.

The New York Times

Reforming ourselves so that we can reform Britain.

The Guardian

Call us back so that we can clearly understand".

The New York Times

BUSH ... so that we can destroy Islamic terrorism.

The New York Times

The money is given not so that we can dismiss from our minds the poor or the sick or the helpless but so that we can remember them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so that we can", ensure the clause following it clearly explains the intended purpose or outcome. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so that we can" without a clear and specific outcome. Vague or general statements after the phrase can weaken the sentence and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so that we can" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause of purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it connects an action with its intended outcome, explaining the reason behind it. This is evident in numerous examples where it clarifies the aim of a preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

34%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "so that we can" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to introduce a clause explaining the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It appears across diverse contexts, including academic, news, and scientific domains, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives like "in order for us to" and "to enable us to" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using this phrase, ensuring clarity of purpose is crucial to avoid ambiguity and strengthen the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order for us to

Formally expresses purpose with a slightly more elaborate structure.

to enable us to

Highlights the act of making something possible for a specific outcome.

for us to be able to

Emphasizes capability and possibility in achieving a goal.

with the aim of

Focuses on the intended outcome or objective.

for the purpose of

A more formal and direct way of stating the reason for an action.

to allow us to

Stresses the permission or opportunity granted to achieve something.

so as to let us

Similar to "to allow us to" but slightly less common.

in the hope that we

Expresses a desire or expectation for a certain result.

with a view to

Indicates planning or intention towards a specific goal.

that we might

More formal and less direct way of expressing purpose or intention.

FAQs

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

Use "so that we can" to introduce a clause that explains the purpose or reason for a preceding action. For example, "We need to gather more information "so that we can" make an informed decision."

What are some alternatives to "so that we can"?

Alternatives include "in order for us to", "to enable us to", or "for us to be able to" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use "so that we can" or "in order to"?

"So that we can" is generally more informal and direct, while "in order to" can sound more formal. The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "so that we can" and "because we can"?

"So that we can" indicates purpose, explaining why something is being done. "Because we can" indicates reason or justification, explaining why something is possible or permissible.