Adverb clauses of result

An adverb clause of result or consequence is used to say what happens or what may happen as a result of the action mentioned in the main clause. The chief conjunction used to introduce adverb clauses of result are: so that, in order that, so…that and such…that.

So that and in order that

Both so that and in order that are used to talk about purpose. In order that is more formal.

Speak clearly so that we can all hear you.

He spoke loudly in order that everybody would hear him.

He remained still so that people thought he had died.

We started in the morning so that we would reach our destination in time.

She lived in England for six months so that she could perfect her English.

In clauses introduced by so that and in order that, we can use present tenses to refer to the future. Future tenses are also possible.

Send the letter by courier so that she gets / will get it before Wednesday.

So…that

So can be followed directly by that-clauses.

It was so hot that we didn’t go out.

She was so weak that she couldn’t walk.

It was so cold that we stopped playing.

That is often omitted.

She was so weak she could barely stand.

It was so hot I couldn’t go out.

The same idea can often be expressed using the structure too…to.

It was too hot to go out.

She was too weak to walk.

It was too cold to play.

Such…that

Such can be followed by a that-clause.

She spoke in such a low voice that nobody could hear her.

It was such a hot afternoon that we stopped playing.

Such were his words and gestures that the audiences were mesmerized.

His rudeness was such that his parents were shocked.