Result clause
Definition
A result clause states the consequence of a situation or degree. Common patterns are so + adjective/adverb + that-clause and such + noun phrase + that-clause.
Examples
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It was so cold that the lake froze.
The clause states the result of the extreme cold.
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Maya spoke so quietly that nobody heard her.
The result follows the modified adverb so quietly.
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It was such a difficult problem that we needed help.
The result follows such + noun phrase.
Reason vs. result
We stayed inside because it was very cold.
The clause explains why we stayed inside.
It was so cold that we stayed inside.
The clause states the consequence of the cold.
A reason clause explains a cause. A result clause states what happened because of a degree or situation.
Nouns and quantities use related patterns
Use such before a noun phrase. With quantity words, common patterns include so many/few + plural noun and so much/little + uncountable noun, followed by a result clause.
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There were so many people that we could not enter.
So many + plural noun introduces the degree causing the result.
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They had such little time that they skipped lunch.
Such little time uses little as an adjective meaning a very small amount.
Common mistakes
It was so difficult problem that we stopped.
It was such a difficult problem that we stopped.
Use such + article + adjective + noun.
The room was such small that everyone felt crowded.
The room was so small that everyone felt crowded.
Use so + adjective when no noun follows directly.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses so + adjective + that?
The pattern is so + adjective + that-clause.Which sentence correctly uses such before a noun phrase?
The pattern is such + article + adjective + noun + that-clause.Which sentence contains a result clause rather than a reason clause?
That the road flooded states the consequence of the heavy rain.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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