So that is used to say why someone does something: it introduces a purpose. It is followed by a full clause with its own subject, most often with can, could, will or would: I left early so that I could park near the office. In conversation, people often drop that: I left early so I could park.
How would you use so that?
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clause + so that + subject + can/will + verb; past clause + so that + subject + could/would + verb; so that + subject + won't/wouldn't + verb
- Many cities have introduced cycle lanes so that people can travel safely without a car.
- Schools should offer free breakfasts so that children from poorer families can concentrate in class.
- I set two alarms so that I wouldn't oversleep before my flight.
What changed
First versionWe left early so that to avoid the traffic.
RevisionWe left early so that we could avoid the traffic.
Purpose is often expressed with to + verb (to avoid the traffic), and here the two patterns have been mixed: so that to avoid. But so that needs a full clause that says who will be able to do what. That is why to was replaced with we could. Another correct option is to drop so that: We left early to avoid the traffic.
To and in order to also express purpose, but they are followed only by a verb, with no subject: I'm saving money to buy a car. If the purpose has its own subject, or you need can or could, use so that: I'm saving money so that my son can study abroad. Don't confuse this with so meaning “therefore”: It was raining, so we stayed at home. That is a result, not a purpose.
Your turn
I'll send you the slides tonight ___ you can check them before the meeting.
Show the answer
so that — The second part has its own subject and verb: you can check them. A clause like this is introduced by so that. In order to can only be followed by a verb with no subject: in order to check them.
Write about a habit that helps you at work or in your studies. Say what you do, and after so that explain how it helps you.
I write down my three main tasks every evening so that I can start work straight away in the morning.
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