So as to means “in order to”. It states the purpose of an action and is followed by the base form of a verb: I left early so as to avoid the traffic. It sounds a little more formal than plain to and suits letters, instructions and essays. It's especially useful in the negative: a negative purpose is expressed with so as not to, with not before to.
How would you use so as to?
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clause + so as to + verb; clause + so as not to + verb; In order to + verb, + clause; so that + subject + can/could + verb
- I always print my boarding pass at home so as to save time at the airport.
- She took notes during the call so as not to forget any of the details.
- The museum limits the number of visitors so as to protect the old paintings.
What changed
First versionWe spoke quietly not to wake the children.
RevisionWe spoke quietly so as not to wake the children.
It seems enough to put not before to: not to wake. But in English, not to on its own doesn't usually express purpose; you need so as not to or in order not to. That's why so as was added before not.
In order to means the same and more often starts a sentence: In order to apply, you need a valid passport. So as to usually comes after the main part. So that, on the other hand, needs a whole clause with its own subject: I spoke slowly so that everyone could follow.
Your turn
I wrote the main points on a card ___ remember them during the talk.
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so as to — The gap is followed directly by the verb remember, without saying who does it. Before a verb like that, you need so as to. So that needs a subject: so that I could remember them.
Describe what you do before an exam or an important meeting and what you want to avoid by doing it. Use so as not to.
Before an important meeting, I check the route the night before so as not to get lost or arrive late.
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