So (that)
So (that) is used to express purpose like para que. The structure that follows it depends on the tense. That is optional, but should be used if there is ambiguity and possible confusion with so meaning así que.
Present: so (that) + infinitive/will/can
Past: so (that) + would/could
E.g.
Present: I´ll talk slowly so (that) you (will/can) understand me— Hablaré despacio para que me entiendas
Past: I spoke slowly so (that) he would/could understand me— Hablé despacio para que me entendiera
Present: John is leaving early so that his wife has/will have enough time— John va a salir temprano para que su mujer tenga tiempo suficiente
Past: John left early so (that) his wife would have enough time— John salió temprano para que su mujer tuviera tiempo suficiente
Ambiguity
I´m not having breakfast so that I will be hungry later— No voy a desayunar para tener hambre luego
I´m not having breakfast, so I will be hungry later— No voy a desayunar, así que tendré hambre luego
I´m going to build a ramp so that my grandmother can enter the house— Voy a construir una rampa para que mi abuela pueda entrar en casa (la voy a construir expresamente para ella)
I´m going to build a ramp, so my grandmother will be able to enter the house— Voy a construir una rampa, así que mi abuela podrá entrar en casa (la voy a construir de todos modos)
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