So That + Can or Could: Helping Someone Do Something
By the end: I can explain a purpose involving another person.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Give an action and its purpose
So that links an action to what it is intended to make possible. A subject follows so that.
I’ll send you the address so that you can find us.
We speak slowly so that everyone can understand.
Change the person if needed
The person taking the first action and the person benefiting can be different. State both clearly.
I moved my chair so that Ana could sit down.
She opened the gate so that we could get through.
Keep purpose separate from result
A past purpose often uses could. It tells us the intended opportunity, not whether the person used it successfully.
I left a note so that he could contact me.
I left a note, but he didn’t see it.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Complete: I’ll move so that you ___ see. Use can.
Compare a model and explanation
can
Can expresses the intended opportunity.
2. Complete: I wrote it down so that she ___ remember. Use could.
Compare a model and explanation
could
Could suits the stated past purpose.
3. Correct: I sent it so that can you read it.
Compare a model and explanation
I sent it so that you could read it.
Use statement order in the purpose clause; can may fit ongoing relevance.
4. Join: I turned on the light. I wanted Ben to see.
Compare a model and explanation
I turned on the light so that Ben could see.
The subjects differ.
5. Who can sit in I moved so that you could sit down?
Compare a model and explanation
You, the listener.
The purpose clause names the beneficiary.
6. Does She explained it so that I could understand prove I understood?
Compare a model and explanation
No. It states her purpose.
A result needs additional evidence.
7. State the unsuccessful purpose: I sent instructions; they did not arrive.
Compare a model and explanation
I sent instructions so that you could set it up, but they didn’t arrive.
The failed delivery can block the purpose.
8. Write a present action to help someone else.
Compare a model and explanation
I label the folders so that my colleagues can find them.
Other clear action-purpose pairs are acceptable.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: Why did you send me a photo of the door?
B: So that you could recognise the entrance.
A: That helped. I found it immediately.
B: Good. I’ll leave the light on so that you can see the number tonight.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Describe two things you do to help someone else.
Reveal a possible response
I speak clearly so that my students can follow. I send reminders so that they can prepare.
Success check: Name the person who benefits.
Speaking 2
Describe one past action and its intended benefit.
Reveal a possible response
I printed the instructions so that my father could read them.
Success check: Use a clear past viewpoint.
Put it all together
Explain a small plan, then describe one possible failure without pretending the benefit is guaranteed.
Reveal a possible response
I’ll send a map so that you can find the café. I’ll include the phone number so that you can call. If the message doesn’t arrive, we can meet at the station.
Success check: Keep intention, possibility and confirmed outcome separate.
Take it with you
I can explain a purpose involving another person.