When using "so that" at the beginning of a sentence, add a comma after the introductory clause.
When using "so that" at the beginning of a sentence, add a comma after the introductory clause.
So that she could achieve her dreams, she used to wake up early and work hard.
So that she could achieve her dreams she used to wake up early and work hard.
In mid-sentence, a comma before "so that" is generally unnecessary.
I teach my children in a safe and relaxing environment so that they can learn more effectively.
"So that" is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a subordinate clause, which can be used at the start or in the middle of a sentence.
So that our system can recognize who you are, provide your details below.
Provide your details below so that our system can recognize who you are.
In spoken English or very informal contexts, we sometimes omit "that" from the "so that" construction. In this situation, follow the same comma rules with "so".
So you can reduce your sugar intake, avoid french fries and sweets.
Avoid french fries and sweets so you can reduce your sugar intake.
While a comma before "so that" in mid-sentence is usually unnecessary, you may need to use it in some situations. For example, use commas to add nonessential information or interrupt the sentence flow.
My wife and I told James, so that he could understand the situation, what we had done.
Instead of "so that", you can use "in order that". Both conjunctions have the same meaning and are used in the same way. "In order that", however, is much more formal and less common than "so that". Follow the same comma strategy with "in order that".
