According to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory, electron pairs on the valence shell of the central atom of a molecule must be positioned as far apart in space as possible to minimize repulsion between valence shell electron pairs.
The shape of a molecule depends on the number and type of electron pairs on the valence shell of its central atom. Lone pairs generally cause more repulsion than bond pairs of electrons.
The ideal bond angle for a molecule with four bonds is 109° which corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry. This enables the four bonds to spread as far apart in space as possible.
