Problems With Connectors (3): Purpose Connectiors.

([He] [is studying] hard [so that] [he] [can pass] his exams)

- (S): He
- (V): is studying
- hard
- (so that): so that
- (S): he
- (V): can pass
- his exams

Remember that although the form (so) is commonly used instead of (so that) in spoken English, it is not considered correct in written English.

Avoid using (so) instead of (so that) as a purpose connector in written English.

Examples:

Incorrect: He borrowed the money (so) he could finish his education.
Correct: He borrowed the money (so that) he could finish his education.

Incorrect: Larry took a bus from New York to California (so) he could see the country.
Correct: Larry took a bus from New York to California (so that) he could see the country.

Incorrect: Many men join fraternities (so) they will be assured of group support.
Correct: Many men join fraternities (so that) they will be assured of group support.

Incorrect: Don't forget to register this week (so) you can vote in the election.
Correct: Don't forget to register this week (so that) you can vote in the election.

Incorrect: Every student needs a social security number (so) he can get a university identification card made.
Correct: Every student needs a social security number (so that) he can get a university identification card made.