8.47 finite clauses

Finite purpose clauses usually begin with 'in order that', 'so that', or 'so'. They usually contain a modal.

If the verb in the main clause is in a present tense or in the present perfect tense, you usually use one of the modals 'can', 'may', 'will', or 'shall' in the purpose clause.

• It's best to be as short, clear and factual as possible, in order that there may be no misunderstanding.
• ...people who are learning English in order that they can study a particular subject.

If the verb in the main clause is in a past tense, you usually use 'could', 'might', 'should', or 'would' in the purpose clause.

• A stranger in the crowd had hoisted Philip up on his shoulder so that he might see the procession depart.
• I bought six cows so that we should have some milk to sell.
• She said she wanted tea ready at six so she could be out by eight.

Ordinary verbs are occasionally used instead of modals, especially in negative purpose clauses.

• Brian would like to increase his son David's wage, so that David doesn't get disillusioned because his contemporaries in less skilled jobs are earning more.

'So that' is also used in result clauses. This use is explained in paragraphs 8.55 and 8.56.

8.48

In formal or old-fashioned English, 'lest' is sometimes used at the beginning of a finite purpose clause to say what an action is intended to prevent.

For example, 'They built a statue of him lest people should forget what he had done' means the same as 'They built a statue of him so that people would not forget what he had done'.

• He was put in a cell with no clothes and shoes lest he injure himself.
• He spoke in whispers lest the servants should hear him.

In clauses beginning with 'lest', you use either the subjunctive moodor a modal.