Unit 8.2

So that vs So … that


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Introduction

So that and so…that are two different, though similar, constructions which express different things.

So that highlights the consequences of an action or purpose. So…that shows extremes leading to certain results.

Form

So that (as an adverbial clause of result) and so…that (as an adverb of degree) are two different structures but we can omit that in both cases.

The structure of so that is:
Clause 1 + so that + clause 2

The structure of so… that is:
Clause 1 + so + adjective/adverb + that + clause 2 

Example

  • I’m studying hard so that I won’t fail the exam.
  • He is saving money so that he can buy a new laptop.
  • We asked my mom to watch the kids so that we can go to the cinema.
  • They train everyday so that they can go to the Olympics.
  • Those computers had so many viruses that we couldn’t use them.
  • My grandfather is so short that I have to reach the top shelves for him.
  • The car was going so fast that I thought we were going to die.
  • The food was so good that we ate far too much. 

Use

We usually use so that (adverb clause of result) as a construction link between two sentences, where the second sentence expresses the result or purpose of the first.

We use so…that (degree adverb) to create a comparison between two things. It is used to underline an action to show that something leads to certain results.

Summary

We use the adverb clause of result so that to highlight the consequence of an action or purpose. So that is used between clauses.

We use so…that to create a comparison between two things. We start with a clause followed by so and an adjective or an adverb, followed by that and another clause.

For example:
— “I will save some money so that I can go on holiday.” = We use so that to express the consequence of saving money.
— “I am so rich that I don’t have to save money to go on holiday.” = We use so…that to compare the condition and the result.

NOTE: We can omit that in both structures when speaking.

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.

Exercises

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