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so that and in order that

Purpose​

These structures are used to talk about purpose. So that is more common than in order that, especially in an informal style. They are often followed by auxiliary verbs such as can or will; may is more formal.

  • She’s staying here for six months so that she can perfect her English.
  • I’m putting it in the oven now so that it’ll be ready by seven o’clock.
  • We send monthly reports in order that they may have full information.

In an informal style, that can be dropped after so (see here).

  • I’ve come early so I can talk to you.

Present tenses for future​

Present tenses are sometimes used for the future.

  • I’ll send the contract express so that she gets / she’ll get it before Tuesday.
  • I’m going to make an early start so that I don’t/won’t get stuck in the traffic.
  • We must write to him, in order that he does/will not feel that we are hiding things.

Past structures​

In sentences about the past, would, could or should are generally used with verbs after so that / in order that. Might is possible in a very formal style.

  • Emily talked to the shy girl so that she wouldn’t feel left out.
  • I took my golf clubs so that I could play on Sunday.
  • They met on a Saturday in order that everybody should be free to attend.
  • He built a chain of castles so that he might control the whole country.
note

For the infinitive structures in order to and so as to, (see here).

For so … that expressing result, (see here).

For lest meaning ‘so that … not’, (see here).