I'm going to take an early bus so that I'll get there in time.(purpose)我打算乘早班公共汽车,以便及时赶到那里。
I took an early bus so that I got there in time.(result)我乘了早班公共汽车,及时到了那里。
(2)目的从句表示动机(即一种可能性),并非事实,只是想要达到某个结果的意愿,因而从句中多用假定性的谓语动词。常有can,many,will,could,might,would,should等情态动词。情态动词本身并无词汇意义,只是一种虚拟用法。结果从句表示客观事实,所以用陈述语气的谓语动词,从句中常无情态动词。试比较:
We planted many shrubs so that the garden should/might look more beautiful.(purpose)我们栽了很多灌木,为了让花园看起来更美一些。
We planted many shrubs,so that the garden soon looked more beautiful.(re-sult)我们栽了很多灌木,花园里不久就好看多了。
I always write so carefully that I may make my meaning clear.(purpose)我写作总是字斟句酌,是为了让人看懂我的意思。
I always write so carefully that I make my meaning clear.(result)我写作总是字斟句酌,结果把意思讲得一清二楚。
Every precaution was taken that the plan might not fail.(purpose)已经采取了各种措施,好让计划不致遭失败。
I must be getting absent-minded that I forgot to bring my ticket.(result)我一定是心不在焉,结果票也忘了带。