How to say a goal in a shorter way: so that → to + verb
Short answer: When the same person does both actions, you can shorten so that to to + verb. I go to the shop so that I can buy milk becomes I go to the shop to buy milk. The meaning is the same, with fewer words. If the doers are different, keep so that: I speak slowly so that you can understand.
🎯 I can say a goal with to + verb.
At a glance
| Long | Short | Same doer? |
|---|---|---|
| I go to the shop so that I can buy milk. | I go to the shop to buy milk. | yes |
| She studies hard so that she can pass. | She studies hard to pass. | yes |
| I speak slowly so that you can understand. | — | no: keep so that |
How to write it
- Find the goal part: so that + subject + can + verb.
- Check the doer: is it the same as in the main part?
- If yes, drop so that, the subject and can, and write to + verb.
- If the doer is different, keep the long form.
Rewrite practice
- Before:
I use a map so that I can find the way.
After: I use a map to find the way.
Same doer: shorten. - Before:
He wears glasses so that he can read.
After: He wears glasses to read.
Same doer: shorten. - Before:
Speak slowly so that I can write it down.
After: Speak slowly so that I can write it down.
Different doers: keep so that.
Common mistakes
I went to the shop for buy milk.→ I went to the shop to buy milk.
Use to + verb, not for + verb.I speak slowly to you understand.→ I speak slowly so that you can understand.
Different doers need so that.She studies to passes.→ She studies to pass.
After to, use the plain verb.
To, for and so that
Choose the form by the doer and the next word.
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| to + verb | same doer | I use a map to find the way. |
| so that + idea | different doer, or can / could | I speak slowly so that you can hear. |
| for + noun | a noun | I went to the shop for milk. |
Check yourself
- Shorten: “She studies so that she can pass.”
Show the answer
She studies to pass. Same doer.
- Can you shorten “so that you can hear me”?
Show the answer
No. The doer changes, so keep so that.
- Fix: “I went for buy milk.”
Show the answer
I went to buy milk. to + verb for a goal.
Rule cards that help
- Why we do things: to and so that: To give a reason for an action, use to + the plain action word. so that can be followed by a full idea.
Questions
Is the meaning exactly the same?
Yes. The short form is more compact and is common in writing.
Can I use “in order to”?
Yes. In order to is a longer, more formal way to say to.
Where is the rule?
See the rule article on why we do things with to and so that.
Part of 🌉 Because, when, if, who and more (stone 2 of the Learning Path). See also the English writing guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30