Different Uses of SO THAT

What is the real meaning of SO THAT in a sentence? SO THAT can assume different meanings with respect to its position and the perspective of the writer. Mainly, it has three uses.

so vs so that differences


1. So that = if that is the case; to what purpose or end; in order that

Here the clause after SO THAT answers WHY.

  • Can you budge a little so that I too can sit here.
  • I put on a hairband so that my hair won't fall on the face.

In this usage, THAT is optional.

  • Can you budge a little so I too can sit here.

However, in the above-mentioned sentence, you should not mistake SO for the coordinating conjunction SO, which means "therefore."

2. So that = in such a way that; to what style

In this usage, THAT is actually an elaboration on the introductory SO.

Here the clause after SO THAT answers HOW.

  • He designed the chair so that each was laid out two feet apart.
  • He aligned the paragraphs so that they kept adequate distance from one another.

3. So .... that = how much; to what extent.

In this usage, SO comes before an adjective or adverb, and THAT elaborates on the extent. Here, SO and THAT necessarily don't come together.

  • She was so beautiful that everyone fell for her.
  • He drove so slowly that even a bike could pass him.

Many omit THAT here in speaking.

4. SO = Therefore

SO is a coordinating conjunction too (FANBOYS), meaning "THEREFORE." Many people leave out THAT when they need to use SO THAT, and they just write SO. We should not mistake them for the meaning of HOWEVER.

  • I left home early, so I reached 


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