[Grammar] so that I can/could see what is inside of it

[NAL123]

1) Please open the box so I can see what is inside of it.

2) Please open the box so I could see what is inside of it.

a) Are they both correct?

b)
3) Change your diet so that you can lose weight.

Can I use "will" or the present simple in the so-that clauses of 1) an3)?

Please open the box so I see/will see what is inside of it.

Change your diet so that you lose/will lose weight.

 

[jutfrank]

1) Please open the box so I can see what is inside of it.

2) Please open the box so I could see what is inside of it.

a) Are they both correct?

No. Only the version with can is correct.

Can I use "will" or the present simple in the so-that clauses of 1) an3)?

In 1), no and no.
In 3), yes (but with a different meaning) and no.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

1) Please open the box so I can see what is inside of it.

That's good.

Can refers to ability: Open the box so I am able to see what's inside.

2) Please open the box so I could see what is inside of it.

That's bad.

Could refers to possibility. You mean: I could see what's inside if you would open it.

a) Are they both correct?

No.

b)

Your b is blank.

3) Change your diet so that you can lose weight.

That's good.

Can I use "will" or the present simple in the so-that clauses of 1) an3)?

No.

Please open the box so I see/will see what is inside of it.

That's bad.

You could say: When you open the box I will see what's inside.

Change your diet so that you lose/will lose weight.

That's grammatical but not natural. Say something like:

- To lose weight, change your diet.

- If you change your diet, you'll lose weight.

- You can lose weight if you change your diet.

Now you know!

(Cross-post.)

 

[NAL123]

No. Only the version with can is correct.

In 1), no and no.
In 3), yes (but with a different meaning) and no.

Do we ever use the present simple or "will" in so-that clauses (purpose clauses) to refer to the future? Or do we always use "can"?

 

[jutfrank]

Do we ever use the present simple or "will" in so-that clauses (purpose clauses) to refer to the future?

Yes, both are very common. I advise you to use present simple.

Or do we always use "can"?

No. We only use can when we need to (e.g. to express ability).

Why don't you practise by making and posting some more sentences for us to check?

 

[emsr2d2]

1) Please open the box so I can see what is inside of it.

2) Please open the box so I could see what is inside of it.

Please avoid the clunky "inside of it". Use either just "inside" or "inside it".