so you can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “so you can” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the purpose of something or to present the implications of an action. For example: "I'm going to do some extra studying tonight so you can pass your exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(and so you can transport them afterwards!).

WikiHow

This is so you can paint it.

WikiHow

So, you can always know them!

WikiHow

Make goals so you can improve.

WikiHow

Glasses are so you can see clearly.

WikiHow

So, you can do those things too.

WikiHow

"So you can feel better?

The New Yorker

So you can have two".

The New York Times - Food

So you can write then?

Independent

So you can stop wondering"?

The New York Times

So you can sing".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so you can" to clearly state the intended outcome or benefit of an action. For example: "Back up your files regularly so you can avoid data loss."

Common error

Avoid using "so you can" repeatedly in long, complex sentences. Break the sentence into smaller parts or use alternative conjunctions to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so you can" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the purpose or intended result of the action in the main clause. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

32%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "so you can" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate purpose or intended outcome. As Ludwig confirms, it correctly introduces a subordinate clause explaining why an action is taken. While versatile, with applications in various contexts ranging from casual to professional, it's important to maintain clarity and avoid overuse, especially in complex sentences. Consider alternatives in formal writing to ensure a polished and impactful message. The expression is very frequent, especially in Wiki and News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to enable you to

More formal and emphasizes the act of enabling.

for you to be able to

Wordier but emphasizes capability.

so as to allow you to

Formal and highlights permission or allowance.

to give you the opportunity to

Focuses on providing an opportunity.

in order that you might

Formal alternative, emphasizing a more deliberate intention.

with the aim of letting you

Focuses on the intention or goal.

that way you are able to

Casual alternative that is more conversational.

that you may

Slightly archaic and more formal alternative.

for the purpose of enabling you to

Very formal and emphasizes the specific reason.

so that it is possible for you to

More descriptive and highlights possibility.

FAQs

How to use "so you can" in a sentence?

Use "so you can" to introduce a clause that explains the purpose or result of an action. For example: "Save your work frequently "so you can" avoid losing progress."

What can I say instead of "so you can"?

You can use alternatives like "in order that you might", "to enable you to", or "that you may" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "so you can"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with ""so you can"" is often less formal and may sound abrupt. Consider rephrasing for smoother transitions in formal writing.

How does "so you can" differ from "because you can"?

"So you can" indicates purpose or intent (e.g., "Study hard so you can pass the exam"), whereas "because you can" explains the reason or justification (e.g., "You should try because you can do it").