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Thu 24 Nov, 2016 04:14 am
I would like to ask you a question to make sure if I understand the use of "so that". In dictionaries, they say that the conjunction "so" can be used in the phrase "so that" to show the result of something or the purpose of something.
Thus, for example, in the sentence like
He was standing in the shadow so that I could not see his face clearly.
the phrase "so that" means something like "therefore"?
In the sentence like:
She worked hard so that everything would be ready in time.
"so that" is used with the meaning "with the purpose that", "in order that"?
It can function with the meaning of "therefore". But consider this example:
He was blindfolded so that he would not be able to identify his captors.
Notice how this example points to intention. You could rewrite that sentence as follows:
He was blindfolded because his captors did not want him to identify them.
@blatham,
So in this case, "so that" can mean either "therefore' or "in order that", depending on the interpretation, right?
@Nat093,
If you refer to the example I just gave, "therefore" is not really an appropriate substitute for the meaning. "In order that" is better because it suggests intention.
Can I inquire why you've asked this question?
@Nat093,
Nat093 wrote: for example, in the sentence like
He was standing in the shadow so that I could not see his face clearly.
the phrase "so that" means something like "therefore"?
In the sentence like:
She worked hard so that everything would be ready in time.
"so that" is used with the meaning "with the purpose that", "in order that"?
You are correct about both example sentences.
"So that" introducing a consequence or result:
He was standing in the shadow so that I could not see his face clearly.
"So that" introducing an intention or plan:
He was standing in the shadow so that I would not see his face clearly.
@contrex,
That's good, contrex. Your first example caught an instance of usage I hand't considered.
@blatham,
I come across the phrase "so that" in many books, articles, etc. and I wanted to enusre whether I understand the meaning of it.
Thank you for your comments!
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