An action can create an opportunity for someone to do something.

The idea

Use so that + subject + can + base verb for a present or future purpose; after a past action, could often expresses the intended ability. The subjects can differ.

Examples

  • I save the receipt so that I can return the lamp.
  • Mina spoke slowly so that everyone could follow her directions.
  • We are leaving early so that we can catch the ferry.
  • Omar moved the chair so that his grandmother could reach the window.
  • Please label the boxes so that the volunteers can find the books.
  • The team saved a backup so that they could restore the file later.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not put to after can or could: say can find, not can to find. The purpose is intended, not necessarily achieved.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. I charge my phone so that I ___ call a taxi tonight. (can / could yesterday)

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    can

    can fits the intended call tonight.

  2. Choose the correct option. Leo opened the gate so that the dog ___ enter. (could / can yesterday)

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    could

    could fits the intended ability following the past action.

  3. Choose the correct option. We put up a sign so that visitors can ___ the entrance. (find / to find)

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    find

    find is the base verb after the modal.

Use it today

Choose the modal or verb form that completes each sentence.