Result and purpose clauses (de modo que / de manera que)

Result and Purpose Clauses

When baking, you often need to explain why you use a certain technique. To connect an action with its outcome, use the interchangeable phrases de modo que or de manera que ("so that" or "in such a way that").

The mood of the verb that follows them depends on whether you are describing a specific goal (purpose) or an actual outcome (result).

Expressing Purpose (Subjunctive)

To express a specific goal or intention (where the outcome hasn't happened yet), use the subjunctive. This is very common when giving instructions.

Sift the flour so that there are no lumps in the dough.
Tamiza la harina de modo que no haya grumos en la masa.
You have to knead quite a bit so that the bread turns out fluffy.
Tienes que amasar bastante de manera que el pan quede esponjoso.

Expressing Result (Indicative)

To state a factual outcome, use the indicative. When expressing a result, these connectors usually follow a comma and translate more closely to "and so".

I have sifted the flour, so there are no lumps.
He tamizado la harina, de modo que no hay grumos.
Today I have kneaded a lot, so the bread has turned out very fluffy.
Hoy he amasado mucho, de manera que el pan ha quedado muy esponjoso.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Notice how the exact same connector changes its function based on the verb mood:

  • Purpose (Subjunctive): You are taking an action so that the dough will rise.
Add a little bit of yeast so that the dough rises in the baking pan.
Añade un poco de levadura de modo que la masa suba en el molde.
  • Result (Indicative): You are stating the fact that the dough does rise as a result.
Most cooks use this yeast, so the dough always rises in the baking pan.
La mayoría de los cocineros usan esta levadura, de manera que la masa siempre sube en el molde.

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