So As To vs. So That

Attribute	So As To	So That
Usage	Expresses purpose or intention	Expresses result or consequence
Form	Followed by an infinitive verb	Followed by a clause
Emphasis	Emphasizes the action or purpose	Emphasizes the result or consequence

Introduction

When it comes to expressing purpose or intention in English, two common phrases that are often used are "so as to" and "so that." While both phrases serve a similar purpose, there are subtle differences in their usage and meaning. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "so as to" and "so that" and provide examples to illustrate their differences.

Definition and Usage of So As To

The phrase "so as to" is used to express purpose or intention. It is often used to indicate the reason behind an action or the goal that someone is trying to achieve. "So as to" is typically followed by an infinitive verb, which is the base form of a verb preceded by the word "to." For example, "I woke up early so as to catch the first train."

Definition and Usage of So That

On the other hand, the phrase "so that" is also used to express purpose or intention. However, unlike "so as to," "so that" is followed by a clause that includes a subject and a verb. The clause that follows "so that" typically explains the reason for an action or the intended outcome. For example, "I set an alarm so that I wouldn't oversleep."

Comparison of Usage

One key difference between "so as to" and "so that" is the type of construction that follows each phrase. While "so as to" is followed by an infinitive verb, "so that" is followed by a clause with a subject and a verb. This difference in construction can impact the overall tone and formality of a sentence. For example, "I studied hard so as to pass the exam" has a more formal tone compared to "I studied hard so that I could pass the exam."

Clarity and Specificity

Another difference between "so as to" and "so that" is the level of clarity and specificity they provide. "So that" is often used when the speaker wants to be more explicit about the intended outcome or reason for an action. In contrast, "so as to" can be more general and less specific. For example, "I brought an umbrella so that I wouldn't get wet" is more specific than "I brought an umbrella so as to stay dry."

Formality and Style

Additionally, the choice between "so as to" and "so that" can also impact the formality and style of a sentence. "So as to" is often considered more formal and is commonly used in written English or formal speech. On the other hand, "so that" is more commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing. The choice between the two phrases can help convey the appropriate tone for a given context. For example, "I left early so as to avoid traffic" sounds more formal than "I left early so that I wouldn't be late."

Examples

• She studied hardso as to pass the exam.
• She studied hardso that she could pass the exam.
• He saved moneyso as to buy a new car.
• He saved moneyso that he could buy a new car.
• We took a different routeso as to avoid traffic.
• We took a different routeso that we wouldn't be late.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "so as to" and "so that" are used to express purpose or intention, they differ in their construction, clarity, specificity, formality, and style. Understanding the nuances of these two phrases can help you choose the most appropriate one for your writing or speech. Whether you opt for the more formal "so as to" or the more casual "so that," both phrases can effectively convey the purpose behind an action or the intended outcome. Practice using both phrases in different contexts to become more comfortable with their usage and to enhance your English language skills.