We can combine two sentences into one using the conjunction so that. Note that so that is used to join two clauses that show a cause and effect relationship.

Read the two sentences given below.

• I took shelter under a tree. I didn’t want to get drenched in the rain.

The two sentences given above show a cause and effect relationship.

We can combine them into one using so that.

• I took shelter under a tree so that I wouldn’t get drenched in the rain.

The same idea can also be expressed using the conjunctions as, since and because.

• As / since I didn’t want to get drenched in the rain, I took shelter under a tree.
• I took shelter under a tree because I didn’t want to get drenched in the rain.

Another example is given below.

• She worked hard. She wanted to pass the test.
• She worked hard so that she would pass the test.
• I made an early start. I didn’t want to get stuck in the traffic.
• I made an early start so that I wouldn’t get stuck in the traffic.

Compare this use of so that with so.

• She wanted to pass the test so she worked hard.
• I didn’t want to get stuck in the traffic so I made an early start.

Notes

In clauses introduced by so that, the auxiliary verbs can, could, would, and might are used to show purpose. That is often omitted in an informal style.

• I made an early start so (that) I wouldn’t get stuck in the traffic.