问
in order that 与 so that 都能引导目的状语从句。学生问我它们之间有什么区别，我无言以对。
答
in order that 与 so that 虽都用于正式语体中,但 in order that 比 so that 更加正式,表示经过精心策划的目的。
- Let's try and arrange so that we can get there at one o'clock. (Galsworthy) 让我们设法安排一下以便在 1 点钟赶到那儿。
in order that ... can/could 1060
- I hired a boat so that I could go fishing. (ELD) 我租了一条船去钓鱼。
这两个连词的另一个区别, 是 so that 还可以引导结果状语从句(参见 so/so that/in order that)。
此外, in order that 可放在主句前, 亦可放在主句后, 而 so that 只能放在主句后。请做下面的英语试题:
Helen listened carefully ____ she might discover exactly what John wanted.
A. so as that B. in case C. providing D. in order that(全国研考)