Adverb clauses of result (also called adverbial clauses of result) explain the consequence or outcome of the action in the main clause. They answer the question “What happened because of this?” and are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as so that, such…that, so…that, and that (in formal usage).
What Are Adverb Clauses of Result?
An adverb clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. Clauses of result specifically express the effect or consequence of the main clause’s action. For example:
- She studied hard so that she could pass the exam. (The result is passing the exam.)
- The box was so heavy that he couldn’t lift it. (The result is his inability to lift it.)
These clauses are distinct from adverb clauses of purpose (which explain why something is done) and adverb clauses of reason (which explain the cause). Result clauses focus on the outcome, not the intention or cause.
Common Conjunctions for Result Clauses
The most common subordinating conjunctions used to introduce adverb clauses of result are:
- so that – used with a modal verb (can, could, will, would) to indicate a result that is intended or possible.
- so + adjective/adverb + that – emphasizes the degree of the adjective or adverb leading to the result.
- such + noun phrase + that – emphasizes the noun phrase leading to the result.
- that – used in formal or literary contexts after so or such.
Examples:
- He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.
- It was so cold that the lake froze.
- She had such a loud voice that the whole street heard her.
How to Form Result Clauses Correctly
To form a result clause, follow these patterns:
- so that + subject + modal + verb – e.g., He saved money so that he could buy a car.
- so + adjective/adverb + that + subject + verb – e.g., The movie was so boring that I fell asleep.
- such + (adjective) + noun + that + subject + verb – e.g., It was such a hot day that we stayed inside.
Note that in informal speech, so that is often shortened to so, but the full form is preferred in formal writing.
Result vs. Purpose vs. Reason Clauses
These three types of adverb clauses are often confused. Here is how they differ:
- Reason clauses answer why something happened. They use because, since, as. Example: He left early because he was tired.
- Purpose clauses answer what for – the intended goal. They use so that, in order that, lest. Example: He left early so that he could catch the train.
- Result clauses answer what happened as a consequence. They use so…that, such…that. Example: He left so early that he caught the first train.
Notice that so that can introduce purpose (with a modal) but not result. For result, use so…that or such…that.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One frequent error is using so alone as a conjunction in formal writing. For example, He was tired, so he slept is a compound sentence, not a result clause. In formal grammar, a result clause requires that after so or such.
Another misconception is that so that always introduces a result. In fact, it often introduces purpose. To test, ask: Is the outcome intended or actual? If intended, it’s purpose; if actual, it’s result.
Also, be careful with word order when using such. It must be followed by a noun phrase, not an adjective alone. For example, such a beautiful day (correct) vs. such beautiful day (incorrect).
Punctuation and Placement
Adverb clauses of result usually appear after the main clause, so no comma is needed. However, if the clause is placed at the beginning for emphasis, a comma is used.
- She was so angry that she left. (no comma)
- So angry was she that she left. (inversion for emphasis, comma)
Inversion with so is formal and literary, but it is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can “so that” introduce a result clause?
No, so that typically introduces a purpose clause, not a result clause. For result, use so…that or such…that. However, in informal speech, so alone can imply result, but it’s not a clause.
What is the difference between “so” and “such” in result clauses?
So is used before adjectives or adverbs (e.g., so hot), while such is used before noun phrases (e.g., such a hot day). Both are followed by that to introduce the result.
Can a result clause stand alone?
No, a result clause is a dependent clause and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It must be attached to a main clause.
Is “that” optional in result clauses?
In informal writing, that is sometimes omitted, but in formal grammar, it is required. For example, It was so hot I stayed inside is common in speech, but It was so hot that I stayed inside is preferred in writing.
How do I choose between “so that” and “such that”?
Use so that with adjectives or adverbs (e.g., so fast that), and such that with nouns (e.g., such a problem that). Note that such that is less common and often sounds formal.
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