So that

Question

Hello to everyoneIs it right to use "so that" as in the following sentences? Is using the modals "will, can, may" optional if the first part of the sentence is in "present tense" as in N3 and N41. He left here soon so that he could arrive there on time.2. He left here soon so that he arrived there on time.3. He leaves here soon so that he arrives there on time.4. He leaves here soon so that he will arrive there on time.RegardsJA

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Joseph AHe left here soon

'soon' doesn't go with the past tense very well. Use 'early' instead.

Joseph A1. He left here early so that he could arrive there on time.

Good (as changed).

Joseph A2. He left here early, so (~~that~~) he arrived there on time.

The meaning is different here. In 1 he left early for a certain reason, a certain purpose — and that was to arrive on time. In 2 he left early, and that had a certain result — and that was that he did arrive on time. 'that' is optional and usually omitted in this "result" construction.

There is also a habitual version of this (in the past):

5. He used to leave here early so that he arrived there on time.
(This is the past of 6, below.)

Joseph A3. He leaves here soon so that he arrives there on time.

Not completely idiomatic.

Habitual practice, as when he leaves for work at the same time every morning:

6. He leaves here early so that he arrives there on time.

One-time action in the near future:

7. He leaves here soon so that he'll (he will) arrive there on time. (This is your number 4.)

Joseph A4. He leaves here soon so that he will arrive there on time.

Good.

CJ

So that

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