så att

So That

Level 2

Use så att for “so that”, with context showing whether the result happened or is intended.

How It Works

'så att' is a conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause (bisats) that expresses a result, consequence or purpose. It directly translates to 'so that' or 'with the result that'.

Structure:
Main Clause + så att + Subordinate Clause (Actual or Intended Result)

The clause that follows 'så att' is a complete clause, meaning it must have its own subject and a finite (conjugated) verb.

Word Order
In the ordinary subordinate construction taught here, the så att-clause follows the subordinate clause word order. This is most noticeable with adverbs like 'inte' (not), which come before the verb.

  • Example: Jag stänger dörren, så att hunden inte springer ut. (I'm closing the door so that the dog doesn't run out.)

Actual and Intended Results
This is a very common point of confusion for learners. A useful distinction is between an achieved result and an intended result, but both can be expressed with så att.

  • så att = can express an actual result.
    Jag pluggade hårt, så att jag klarade provet. (I studied hard, so that I passed the test. - The passing was the result.)
  • för att = can express a purpose or intention. In other contexts, för att also expresses a cause.
    Jag pluggade hårt för att klara provet. (I studied hard in order to pass the test. - The passing was the intention.)

Notice that för att is often followed by an infinitive verb, while 'så att' is followed by a full clause.

Compare Han flyttade stolen så att hon skulle se bättre (intended result) and Han flyttade stolen så att hon såg bättre (result). Conversational så att may also connect a concluding main clause; do not impose subordinate order on that separate use.

Examples (4)

  1. Han sprang snabbt, så att han hann med bussen.

    He ran fast, so that he caught the bus.

    Word by Word: He ran fast, so that he had-time with the-bus.

  2. Tala högre, så att alla kan höra dig.

    Speak louder, so that everyone can hear you.

    Word by Word: Speak louder, so that everyone can hear you.

  3. Stäng fönstret, så att det inte blir kallt.

    Close the window, so that it doesn't get cold.

    Word by Word: Close the-window, so that it not becomes cold.

    Note the word order in the subordinate clause: the adverb 'inte' comes before the verb 'blir'.

  4. Hon sparade pengar varje månad, så att hon kunde köpa en bil.

    She saved money every month, so that she could buy a car.

    Word by Word: She saved money every month, so that she could buy a car.

Common Mistakes

  • Using an infinitive instead of the finite verb in a subject-containing clause.

    Tala högre så att alla kunna höra dig.
    Tala högre så att alla kan höra dig.

    With the subject alla, modern Swedish uses finite kan. This så att-clause expresses an intended result, not a result that has already happened.

  • Using another finite verb after a modal auxiliary.

    Hon viskade så att läraren inte kunde hörde henne.
    Hon viskade så att läraren inte kunde höra henne.

    Kunde is finite and höra is its infinitive. Ordinary subordinate order places inte before kunde.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

så attLevel 2So That

Learn This First

To use "så att" (so that) effectively, you need to understand how Swedish subordinate clauses are structured, particularly the word order which differs from main clauses. You also need a basic grasp of verb conjugation to form the actions that the purpose clause describes.

Words in This Pattern

så att