“So As To” Meaning, Origin and Examples

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One of the most popular idioms you may hear or see used today in everyday conversation and writing is “so as to.” Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information about its origin. You will also find examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and suggestions about alternative things you can say in its place to convey the same meaning.

“So As To” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “so as to” is used to indicate purpose or intention. It means “in order to” or “for the purpose of.” It connects the action being taken with the desired outcome, emphasizing the reason behind the action.
So As To
So As To – Created by 7ESL

“So As To” Meaning

The phrase “so as to” is used to express purpose or intention. It indicates that an action is being done for a specific reason or goal. The phrase is often followed by a verb and is used in more formal or written contexts.

Examples:

  • “She studied hard so as to pass the exam.”
  • “He spoke quietly so as to not disturb the others.”
  • “They made changes to the schedule so as to accommodate everyone.”

Origin of the Idiomatic Expression

The origin of the idiom “so as to” is unknown. There is no information available regarding the origin behind this widely used phrase. However, it can be said that in most instances this phrase can just be shortened to the word to. Using this phrase in writing and conversation is considered to be wordy.

Usage of “So As To”

  • Indicating purpose:

“He saved money diligently so as to buy a new car.”

  • Expressing intention:

“The company invested in new technology so as to improve efficiency.”

  • In a formal context:

“She revised her presentation several times so as to ensure clarity and impact.”

  • Highlighting a goal:

“They organized the event early so as to accommodate everyone’s schedule.”

Related Terms to “So As To”

  • In order to – used to indicate the purpose of an action.
  • So that – expressing the intention or purpose of an action, often followed by a clause.
  • For the purpose of – specifying the aim or reason behind an action.
  • With the aim of – indicating the goal or intention of an action.
  • With a view to – expressing the intention of achieving something.
  • To – a simpler way to indicate purpose (e.g., “He left early to catch the train.”).
  • In an effort to – indicating an attempt or endeavor to achieve something.
  • For the sake of – used to indicate an action done for a specific reason or benefit.
  • To the end that – a more formal way to express purpose or intention.
  • With the intention of – specifying the purpose behind an action.

Other Ways to Say “So As To”

As with most idiomatic phrases, “so as to” can be said alternatively in several different ways while still conveying the same meaning. Some of these alternative suggestions include:

  • In order to
  • So that
  • As a means to
  • With the purpose of

“So As To” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made by a local politician during his campaign.

  • “I regretfully must withdraw from this campaign so as to take care of my wife who was just recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”

A statement made on the red carpet by a well-known celebrity.

  • “I needed to take a break from the limelight for a bit so as to find myself again. It worked and now I am back and better than ever!”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends at school.

  • Friend 1: Are you coming to the party at Jaimie’s tonight?
  • Friend 2: I have to ask my mom first.
  • Friend 1: You know she will say no. Just sneak out!
  • Friend 2: No. You know what happened last time I did that. I need permission from her so as to avoid that situation again.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: I need to clock out early and go home.
  • Co-worker 2: Why? We need you here.
  • Co-worker 1: I need to leave early so as to avoid my wife chopping my head off for being late to my son’s first football game.

Other examples:

  • He read a lot so as to learn about the intellectual history of Europe.
  • They mowed the field so as to provide the cattle with fodder.
  • They must reduce the books price so as to bring them within the reach of all students.
  • Let us discipline ourselves so as to help feed a hungry world.
  • Please address your letters properly so as to reduce delays.
  • I always keep fruit in the fridge so as to keep insects off it.
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