What is the difference between “so” and “so that”?

What is the difference between “so” and “so that”?

Devon Balwit
February 26, 2016
How can I improve my English? Learn English SLANG, IDIOMS, & PHRASES!

What is the difference between “so” and “so that”?

Here’s an example of the types of concepts we teach in our English classes :

What is the difference between “so” and “so that”?

Both of these words are adverbs. They are used with a subject and a verb to make a clause. “So that” tells us for what purpose something is done. What was the intention or plan? In contrast, “so” tells us the effect. It tells us what happened as a result.

For example:

I am writing this blog so that I can explain the difference between these two words.
- [adverb = so that, subject = I, verb = can explain]
So that I can explain the difference between these two words, I am writing this blog.
- [adverb = so that, subject = I, verb = can explain]
Explaining grammar can be tricky, so I will try to use easy examples.
- [adverb = so, subject = I, verb = will try]

Notice how “so” is preceded by a comma (,) but “so that” is not.

The clause with “so that” can come both before and after the independent (or main) clause, whereas “so”cannot change positions but must remain in between both clauses.

The doctor put a cast on her arm.

Why did the doctor put the girl’s arm in a cast?

The doctor put her hand in a cast so that her bones could heal.

He put the cast on tightly so that her arm wouldn’t move around.

What is the effect of having a cast on her arm?

Her cast is hot, so it makes her arm sweaty and itchy.

Her cast isn’t waterproof, so she can’t get it wet.

Her bones are healing, so she isn’t supposed to bump her cast into anything.

These students are studying English in the U.S.

Why are these students studying English? What is their purpose?

One is studying English so that he can go to an American university.

Another is studying English so that she can travel.

A third is studying English so that she can get a better job.

The fourth is studying English so that he can find an American girlfriend.

What is the result of their studying English in the U.S.? What are the effects of their being here?

They are living in an English-speaking country, so they hear English every day.

They are students, so they have homework and must practice.

All of them speak different native languages, so they must use English to understand one another.

The watch dog keeps an eye on the neighborhood.

What is the purpose of watchdog dogs?

People buy watchdogs so that no one will rob them.

They buy watchdogs so that they feel safe.

What are the effects of having this kind of dog?

The dogs are scary, so strangers keep their distance.

The dogs can be dangerous, so the owners must keep them behind a fence or on a chain.

Practice: Type the correct answer in the blank. Do you need to use “so” or “so that?”

How can I tell So and So That apart?

Both so and so that are adverbs. So that states the reason why something has been done. Remember to not use a comma before so that when used in the middle of a sentence.

She bought a monthly subway ticket so that she didn’t have to drive to work.

Why did she buy the ticket?

– So that she didn’t have to drive.

OR – In order to not drive to work

So that provides the reason or intent of an action.

So indicates the next step taken. In other words, a reason is stated and so shows what is done to satisfy that reason. Remember to put a comma before so.

Peter needed a new bicycle, so he bought a mountain bike.

What did Peter do in order to satisfy his need? He bought a mountain bike.

A Note from PELA:

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