English grammar
So (that) vs to + infinitive: purpose
Explain purpose using so (that) for someone else and to + infinitive for yourself.
From the scene So that they can see it
In short
For a purpose about someone else, use so (that) + person + verb. When it's the same person, use to + verb.
Your turn
Which one goes with so + clause (that dropped)?
Options: I brought a book, so they understand better. · I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral. · I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay.
Show answer
so + clause (that dropped) → I brought a book, so they understand better.
How it works
When the purpose is about someone else, use so (that) + subject + verb: I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral.
Good to know
When the same person does both actions, just use to + verb: I brought a camera to take photos.
Good to know
To avoid something, use so + subject + don't: so I don't mess up.
so (that) + someone else I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral.
Javi
Later I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral.
Luego traigo a mis padres para que vean la catedral.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Later (blank).
Options: I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral · I brought a book, so they understand better · I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay
Show answer
Javi
Later I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral.
Luego traigo a mis padres para que vean la catedral.
so + clause (that dropped) I brought a book, so they understand better.
Javi
A bit. That's why I brought a book, so they understand better.
Un poco. Por eso traje un libro, para que entiendan mejor.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
A bit. That's why (blank).
Options: I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay · I brought a book, so they understand better · I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral
Show answer
Javi
A bit. That's why I brought a book, so they understand better.
Un poco. Por eso traje un libro, para que entiendan mejor.
negative purpose I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay.
Javi
No need. I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay.
No hace falta. Yo hago de guía para que no paguen.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
No need. (blank).
Options: I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral · I brought a book, so they understand better · I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay
Show answer
Javi
No need. I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay.
No hace falta. Yo hago de guía para que no paguen.
to + verb (same person) Yes, to take a photo.
Javi
Yes, to take a photo of the three of us together.
Sí, para sacar una foto de los tres juntos.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) of the three of us together.
Options: Yes, to take a photo · I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral · So they understand better
Show answer
Javi
Yes, to take a photo of the three of us together.
Sí, para sacar una foto de los tres juntos.
so I don't… (avoiding something) so I don't mess up in front of them
Javi
That's why I'm practising, so I don't mess up in front of them.
Por eso practico, para no meter la pata delante de ellos.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
That's why I'm practising, (blank).
Options: I brought a book, so they understand better · so I don't mess up in front of them · I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral
Show answer
Javi
That's why I'm practising, so I don't mess up in front of them.
Por eso practico, para no meter la pata delante de ellos.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| so (that) + someone else | I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral. |
|---|---|
| so + clause (that dropped) | I brought a book, so they understand better. |
| negative purpose | I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay. |
| to + verb (same person) | Yes, to take a photo. |
| so I don't… (avoiding something) | so I don't mess up in front of them |
More lines from the story
- NuriaGood idea. And that camera? To take photos?Buena idea. ¿Y esa cámara? ¿Para sacar fotos?