As a conjunction, ‘so’ is used to show the effect or result.
- It was late so I didn’t go out. (Here ‘so’ shows the result or effect of the action or situation mentioned in the previous clause.
As a conjunction ‘so that’ is used to talk about purpose. Sometimes we drop out ‘that’.
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use so and so that correctly. Fill in the blanks.
1. It was getting late, ………………… we decided to go home.
- so
- so that
- Either could be used here
2. The last bus had gone, ………………. we had to walk.
- so
- so that
- Either could be used here
3. The watch was very expensive, ………………… I didn’t buy it.
- so
- so that
4. The teacher spoke slowly …………………. the students could write down everything.
- so
- so that
- Either could be used here
5. We sent the parcel a few days ago ………………… they should have received it by now.
- so
- so that
- Either could be used here
6. I was tired ………………… . I took some rest.
- so
- so that
- Either could be used here
7. The dialogues were ………………….., I couldn’t help laughing.
- so funny
- so funny that
- Either could be used here
8. The sky was dark ……………… I took an umbrella with me.
- so
- so that
- Either could be used here
Answers
1. It was getting late, so we decided to go home.
2. The last bus had gone, so we had to walk.
3. The watch was very expensive, so I didn’t buy it.
4. The teacher spoke slowly so / so that the students could write down everything.
5. We sent the parcel a few days ago so they should have received it by now.
6. I was tired so I took some rest.
7. The dialogues were so funny / so funny that I couldn’t help laughing.
8. The sky was dark so I took an umbrella with me.