This way or That way

We had an interesting stumbling point with a couple of learners over the past weeks with this curious phrase "do sth in a way that...".
So, let's have a closer look at it😎

This was our original sentence:
My old chemistry professor was able to explain even the most complicated concepts in a way that made it easy to understand. I really respect his communication skills.

And a couple of examples created based on that:

▪️ I'll assign the projects in a way that allows us to work on both of them at the same time.

▪️ We're looking at how to package the compound in a way that will prevent it degrading in transit.

▪️ We've managed to find a workable solution. Now we're trying to optimize the process so we can carry it out in way that minimizes waste and impurities.

Let's dive into it!

The phrase "in a way that" basically allows us to add additional description to what was said previously. You're adding a "manner of action" description. One way to think of it is: you can ask a "how?" question to the action verb.

- How will you assign the projects?
- I'll assign the projects in a way that allows us to work on both of them at the same time.

- How do you plan to package the compound?
- We will find a way to package the compound in a way that will prevent it degrading in transit.

- If you optimize the process, how will you be able to carry it out better?
- It will allow us to carry it out in way that minimizes waste and impurities.

Now, another interesting point with this phrase is that it also has a clause coming after it, and be careful with that one as well:

✅ we need to do it in a way that satisfies the client (what kind of way? = the one that satisfies the client)
✅ we need to do it in a way that makes the client satisfied (what kind of way? = the one that makes the client satisfied)
✅ we need to do it in a way that the client is satisfied with (what kind of way? = the one that the client is satisfied with )

❌ we need to do it in a way that we satisfy the client (what kind of way? = ❌ the one that we satisfy the client)