so that

Idioms  

1. In order that, as in I stopped so that you could catch up .

2. With the result or consequence that, as in Mail the package now so that it will arrive on time .

3. so ... that . In such a way or to such an extent that, as in The line was so long that I could scarcely find the end of it . All three usages date from a.d. 1000 or earlier, and the first two are sometimes put simply as so , as in I stopped so you could catch up , or Mail it now so it will arrive on time .

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Example Sentences

Officials argue that rather than rushing through relief efforts, the priority is to "build back better" so that new homes and businesses are resilient enough to withstand future disasters.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The American strategy was to degrade Iran’s munitions so that the U.S. could escort vessels without being swarmed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"They need to be pressured so that they simply sit down at the negotiating table, withdraw their troops from our country and leave forever," Sova said.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

‘Retirement savings should be prioritized before funding a 529 plan with regular contributions. I still advocate opening a 529 so that others can contribute.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

She speaks in the same pitch of voice she uses for callers and keeps one hand on a cord so that anyone watching her would think she was connecting a call.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse