So That

The phrase "so that" is a common conjunction used in the English language. It is used to express purpose or intention, often linking two clauses together in a sentence. This article will delve into the usage, meaning, and examples of "so that" in English grammar.

Understanding "So That" in English Grammar

"So that" is a conjunction that is used to show the purpose or reason for an action. It is often used to link two clauses together, with the first clause stating an action and the second clause stating the purpose or result of that action. For example, in the sentence "I am studying hard so that I can pass my exams," the action is "studying hard," and the purpose is "to pass my exams."

The Usage of "So That" in Sentences

The conjunction "so that" can be used in a variety of contexts and sentence structures. It can be used to express a cause and effect relationship, a purpose or intention, or a desired outcome. For example, "She woke up early so that she could catch the sunrise," or "He saved money so that he could buy a new car." In these examples, "so that" is used to express the purpose or intention behind the actions of waking up early and saving money.

"So That" in Formal and Informal English

While "so that" is commonly used in both formal and informal English, its usage can vary slightly depending on the context. In formal English, "so that" is often used to express a specific purpose or intention, and it is usually followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. For example, "The meeting was scheduled early so that everyone could attend." In informal English, "so that" is often used more loosely to express a general purpose or intention, and it is usually followed by a verb in the indicative mood. For example, "I'm going to the store so that I can get some milk."

Common Mistakes with "So That"

Despite its common usage, there are some common mistakes that people make when using "so that" in English. One common mistake is using "so that" to express a cause and effect relationship when a simple "so" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "I was tired, so that I went to bed early," it would be more correct to say "I was tired, so I went to bed early." Another common mistake is using "so that" in place of "so" or "so as to." For example, instead of saying "I'm studying so that to pass my exams," it would be more correct to say "I'm studying so as to pass my exams" or "I'm studying so I can pass my exams."

In conclusion, "so that" is a versatile conjunction that is used to express purpose or intention in English. It can be used in a variety of contexts and sentence structures, and it is commonly used in both formal and informal English. However, it is important to be aware of common mistakes when using "so that" to ensure correct and effective communication.