De sorte que

The Subjunctivisor!

Does de sorte que require the subjunctive?

De sorte que may require the subjunctive, depending on whether the outcome that follows has been achieved.

1) When de sorte que indicates that something has occurred, it’s followed by the indicative.

Par exemple…

Je l’ai expliqué de sorte que tu peux comprendre.
I explained it so that you can (and do) understand.

2) When de sorte que introduces a goal or possibility, it needs the subjunctive.

Par exemple…

Je l’explique de sorte que tu puisses comprendre.
I’m explaining it so that you can (I hope) understand.

 
De sorte que is a conjunctive phrase.

The Subjunctivisor!  |  Subjunctive lesson
 

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