Result and purpose with de modo que

The idea

With de modo que, an actual result takes the indicative; an intended outcome takes the subjunctive.

Examples

• La puerta estaba cerrada, de modo que esperamos fuera.The door was closed, so we waited outside.
• Se acabó el papel, de modo que usamos la pizarra.The paper ran out, so we used the board.
• El tren salió tarde, de modo que perdimos la conexión.The train left late, so we missed the connection.
• Cierra la ventana de modo que no entre ruido.Close the window so that noise does not come in.
• Colocamos las sillas de modo que todos puedan ver.We arrange the chairs so that everyone can see.
• Guarda el mapa de modo que podamos consultarlo mañana.Keep the map so that we can consult it tomorrow.

Watch out

A desired outcome is not necessarily achieved: the subjunctive does not assert it happened.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the form that fits the stated result or purpose. El hielo se derritió, de modo que el suelo ___. (quedó / quede)

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   quedó

   quedó: the melted ice caused a real result.

2. Choose the form that fits the stated result or purpose. Apaga la luz de modo que el bebé ___. (duerma / duerme)

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   duerma

   duerma: the baby’s sleep is the aim.

3. Choose the form that fits the stated result or purpose. Anota la fecha de modo que no la ___. (olvidemos / olvidamos)

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   olvidemos

   olvidemos: remembering the date is the aim.

Use it today

Write one actual result and one intended outcome using de modo que.