Result clauses (så att)

Result Clauses with "Så att"

When you want to explain the intended outcome of an action, use the conjunction så att (so that). It connects a main clause (the action) to a consecutive subordinate clause (the result).

We are cleaning the venue now so that the event can start.
Vi städar lokalen nu så att evenemanget kan börja.
We are testing that microphone so that the audience hears the speaker.
Vi testar den där mikrofonen så att publiken hör talaren.

Word Order and Negation

Clauses starting with så att are subordinate clauses, meaning they follow strict subordinate word order: Subject + Adverb + Verb.

If your result clause includes a sentence adverb like inte (not), it is placed before the conjugated verb.

We are closing the door so that the sound does not disturb the event.
Vi stänger dörren så att ljudet inte stör evenemanget.

Auxiliary verbs like kan (can) or slipper (avoid) come directly after the subject.

Open the cloakroom early so that we avoid stressing.
Öppna garderoben tidigt så att vi slipper stressa.
We are leaving the jackets in the cloakroom so that we can sit in the same row.
Vi lämnar jackorna i garderoben så att vi kan sitta på samma rad.

Giving Instructions

Så att is incredibly useful when organizing an event or giving commands, as it immediately justifies why a task needs to be done.

Increase the volume on the speaker so that many can hear the music.
Öka volymen på högtalaren så att många kan höra musiken.
Put the chairs in the correct row so that everyone finds their seat.
Ställ stolarna i rätt rad så att alla hittar sin sittplats.
What a nice venue! Turn on the lighting so that we see well.
Vilken fin lokal! Tänd belysningen så att vi ser bra.