oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

PAGE 331
253 Other adverbial clauses
After so that we use a finite clause, often with the present simple or with will,
would, can or could.
You should keep milk in a fridge so that it stays fresh.
I wrote it in my diary so that I wouldn't forget.
Why don't you take a day off so that you can recover properly?
In order that is formal and less common than so that.
We shall let you know the details soon in order that you can/may make your
arrangements.
NOTE
a We use so that rather than a to-infinitive when the two clauses have different subjects.
Moira left some salad so that James could eat it later.
But after for we can use a subject + to-infinitive. • 126(6)
Moira left some salad for James to eat later.
b In informal English we can use so instead of so that. Compare purpose and result.
Purpose: I took a day off so (that) I could recover properly.
Result: The car simply refused to start, so (that) I couldn't get to work.
But generally we use so that for purpose and so for result.
c We can sometimes use to avoid or to prevent rather than a negative clause with so that.
He kept his shirt on so that he wouldn't get sunburnt.
He kept his shirt on to avoid getting sunburnt.
We can use for with a noun to express the purpose of an action.
We went out for some fresh air. Why not come over for a chat?
To express the general purpose of a thing, we normally use for with a gerund.
A saw is a tool for cutting wood.
The small scale is for weighing letters.
We use the to-infinitive to talk about a specific need or action.
I need a saw to cut this wood.
I got the scale out to weigh the letter.
NOT I got the scale out for weighing the letter.
NOTE
a After use there can be either for + gerund or a to-infinitive.
We use a ruler for measuring/to measure things.
b There is also a pattern with for and the to-infinitive. • 126(6)
For the scale to register correctly, it has to be level.
But NOT for to weigh the letter
253 Other adverbial clauses
1 Place
Where the road bends left, there's a turning on the right.
Sebastian takes the teddy bear everywhere he goes.
2 Manner
Do it (in) the way (that) I showed you.
Why can't I live my life how I want to live it?
Jessica behaved as/like she always does.
How can you act as if/as though nothing had happened?