So That

The phrase "so that" is a common conjunction used in the English language. It is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts to express different meanings. This article will delve into the usage, meaning, and examples of "so that" in English grammar.

Understanding the Term "So That"

"So that" is a conjunction used to express purpose or intention. It is often used to explain why something is done or why a particular situation exists. The term is used to introduce a clause that indicates the purpose or result of the action in the main clause. For example, in the sentence "I am writing this article so that you can understand the use of 'so that' in English grammar," the phrase "so that" is used to express the purpose of writing the article.

Usage of "So That" in Sentences

The conjunction "so that" can be used in both positive and negative sentences. In positive sentences, it is used to express a positive outcome or result. For example, "She studied hard so that she could pass the exam." Here, the phrase "so that" is used to express the positive outcome of studying hard, which is passing the exam.

In negative sentences, "so that" is used to prevent a negative outcome or to express a negative result. For example, "He left early so that he wouldn't be late." In this sentence, "so that" is used to express the intention of preventing a negative outcome, which is being late.

"So That" in Questions

"So that" can also be used in questions to ask about the purpose or reason for something. For example, "Why are you studying so hard?" can be answered with "So that I can pass the exam." Here, "so that" is used to express the purpose of studying hard.

"So That" vs. "In Order To"

While "so that" and "in order to" can often be used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. "So that" is generally used when the result or purpose is emphasized, while "in order to" is used when the action is emphasized. For example, "I am writing this article so that you can understand the use of 'so that' in English grammar" emphasizes the result, while "I am writing this article in order to help you understand the use of 'so that' in English grammar" emphasizes the action of writing the article.

In conclusion, "so that" is a versatile conjunction that can be used in various contexts to express purpose or intention. It can be used in positive and negative sentences, questions, and can often be used interchangeably with "in order to." Understanding the use of "so that" can greatly enhance your English grammar skills.