We can express an idea in several different ways. Study the sentences given below. Both of them express the same idea.

The problem was too difficult for him to solve.
The problem was so difficult that he could not solve it.

In the first sentence we used a structure with too…to. In the second sentence we replaced too…to with so…that.

Rewrite the following sentences using so…that

1. She is too young to marry.

2. The thief was too clever to be caught by the king’s men.

3. I was too frightened to speak.

4. She is too proud to beg.

5. Portia was too intelligent to be defeated.

6. He was too weak to get out of bed.

7. He was too late to catch the train.

8. He is too shy to deliver a public speech.

9. He is too arrogant to admit his mistakes.

Answers

1. She is so young that she cannot marry.

2. The thief was so clever that he could not be caught by the king’s men.

3. I was so frightened that I could not speak.

4. She is so proud that she will not beg.

5. Portia was so intelligent that she could not be defeated.

6. He was so weak that he could not get out of bed.

7. He was so late that he could not catch the train.

8. He is so shy that he cannot deliver a public speech.

9. He is so arrogant that he will not admit his mistakes.