The phrase “in order to” is a common and useful way to express purpose in English, but relying on it exclusively can make your writing and speech sound repetitive. Mastering alternative expressions not only enhances the sophistication of your language but also allows for greater nuance and precision in conveying your intended meaning.
This article explores a variety of ways to express purpose, offering detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you broaden your grammatical toolkit. Whether you’re an English language learner or a native speaker looking to refine your writing style, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to communicate your intentions effectively and elegantly.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced, as well as native English speakers who wish to diversify their writing and speaking styles. By understanding the nuances of each alternative, you’ll be able to choose the most appropriate expression for any given context, adding depth and clarity to your communication.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Defining Purpose Clauses
- Structural Breakdown of Purpose Clauses
- Alternatives to “In Order To”
- Examples of Purpose Clauses
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Subtleties and Nuances
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Defining Purpose Clauses
A purpose clause is a subordinate clause that explains the reason or intention behind an action. It answers the question “Why?” or “For what purpose?”.
These clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions or phrases that indicate purpose, such as “in order to,” “so that,” “to,” or “lest.” Purpose clauses add depth and clarity to sentences by specifying the motivation behind the main action.
Functionally, purpose clauses act as adverbs, modifying the verb in the main clause. They provide essential information about the actor’s intent, making the sentence more informative and complete.
They are crucial for clear and effective communication, allowing speakers and writers to express their reasoning concisely and precisely.
Purpose clauses can appear in various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversations. They are essential in academic essays, business reports, and legal documents, where clarity and precision are paramount.
In informal settings, purpose clauses help to explain actions and motivations in a clear and understandable way. Understanding how to form and use purpose clauses correctly is a fundamental aspect of mastering English grammar.
Structural Breakdown of Purpose Clauses
A purpose clause typically consists of a subordinating conjunction or phrase followed by a subject and a verb. The structure can vary slightly depending on the specific conjunction or phrase used.
The basic structure is: Main Clause + Subordinating Conjunction/Phrase + Subject + Verb (+ Optional Elements)
Let’s break down the components:
- Main Clause: This is the independent clause that expresses the main action or idea. It can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Subordinating Conjunction/Phrase: This word or phrase introduces the purpose clause and connects it to the main clause. Common examples include “in order to,” “so that,” “to,” “as,” “because,” “lest,” and “with a view to.”
- Subject: This is the person or thing performing the action in the purpose clause. It may be the same as the subject of the main clause or a different subject.
- Verb: This is the action word in the purpose clause. It must agree with the subject in number and tense. Modal verbs (e.g., “can,” “will,” “should,” “might”) are often used in purpose clauses to express possibility or intention.
- Optional Elements: These can include objects, adverbs, and other modifiers that provide additional information about the action in the purpose clause.
For example, in the sentence “I study hard in order to pass the exam,” “I study hard” is the main clause, “in order to” is the subordinating phrase, “I” (implied) is the subject, and “pass” is the verb.
Alternatives to “In Order To”
While “in order to” is a perfectly valid way to express purpose, it’s often more elegant and concise to use alternative expressions. Here are several options, along with explanations and examples:
To + Infinitive
Using “to + infinitive” is one of the simplest and most common ways to express purpose. It is often more concise than “in order to” and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Structure: Main Clause + to + Infinitive
Example: “She went to the library to study.”
So As To + Infinitive
“So as to” is a more formal alternative to “in order to” and “to + infinitive.” It emphasizes the intention or purpose behind the action. However, it can sometimes sound a bit stilted, so use it judiciously.
Structure: Main Clause + so as to + Infinitive
Example: “He saved money so as to buy a new car.”
So That + Clause
“So that” introduces a purpose clause that explains the reason for the action in the main clause. It is followed by a subject and a verb, and often includes a modal verb such as “can,” “will,” “could,” or “would.”
Structure: Main Clause + so that + Subject + Modal Verb + Verb
Example: “She left early so that she could catch the train.”
In Order That + Clause
“In order that” is a more formal and emphatic version of “so that.” It is used to express a clear and deliberate intention. Like “so that,” it is followed by a subject and a verb, and often includes a modal verb.
Structure: Main Clause + in order that + Subject + Modal Verb + Verb
Example: “They spoke quietly in order that no one would overhear them.”
Lest + Clause
“Lest” is a formal and somewhat archaic conjunction that means “in order that…not” or “for fear that.” It is used to express a negative purpose or to prevent something undesirable from happening. It is often followed by “should” or “might.”
Structure: Main Clause + lest + Subject + Should/Might + Verb
Example: “He ran quickly lest he should miss the bus.”
With a View to + Gerund
“With a view to” is a formal phrase that expresses purpose. It is always followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb).
It is often used in business and legal contexts.
Structure: Main Clause + with a view to + Gerund
Example: “The company invested in new technology with a view to increasing productivity.”
For + Noun/Gerund
“For” can be used to express purpose when followed by a noun or a gerund. In this construction, “for” means “intended for” or “used for.”
Structure: Main Clause + for + Noun/Gerund
Example: “This knife is for cutting bread.”
Example: “This tool is for fixing computers.”
Because
While primarily used to indicate a reason, “because” can sometimes imply purpose, especially when the context makes the intention clear. It focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, where the ’cause’ is the intended purpose.
Structure: Main Clause + because + Subject + Verb
Example: “He studied diligently because he wanted to excel in his exams.”
As
Similar to “because,” “as” can also suggest purpose, particularly in more formal writing. It emphasizes the intended outcome or goal of an action.
Structure: Main Clause + as + Subject + Verb
Example: “She practiced every day, as she aimed to win the competition.”
Examples of Purpose Clauses
The following tables provide extensive examples of each type of purpose clause, illustrating their usage in different contexts. Each table contains at least 20 examples to give you a comprehensive understanding of how these structures are used in practice.
Examples Using “To + Infinitive”
This table provides 30 examples of the “to + infinitive” structure used to express purpose.
| Sentence |
|---|
| She went to Italy to learn Italian. |
| He exercises regularly to stay healthy. |
| They saved money to buy a house. |
| I woke up early to catch the sunrise. |
| We study hard to pass the exam. |
| She called him to ask for help. |
| He traveled to Japan to experience the culture. |
| They went to the park to relax. |
| I went to the store to buy milk. |
| We are saving up to go on vacation. |
| He writes every day to improve his skills. |
| She reads books to expand her knowledge. |
| They volunteer to help the community. |
| I practice yoga to reduce stress. |
| We cook at home to save money. |
| He learned to code to get a better job. |
| She took a class to learn a new skill. |
| They organized a meeting to discuss the issues. |
| He went to the doctor to get a check-up. |
| She took a deep breath to calm herself down. |
| They practiced the song to perfect their performance. |
| I called the company to inquire about the job opening. |
| He enrolled in the course to advance his career. |
| She visited the museum to admire the artwork. |
| They organized a fundraiser to support the charity. |
| I am going to the gym to build muscle. |
| He is learning Spanish to communicate with his neighbors. |
| She is attending the conference to network with professionals. |
| They are planning a trip to explore the world. |
| I am studying history to understand the past. |
Examples Using “So As To + Infinitive”
This table showcases 25 examples of sentences using “so as to + infinitive” to indicate purpose, emphasizing the intentionality behind the action.
| Sentence |
|---|
| He arrived early so as to get a good seat. |
| She studied diligently so as to pass the exam. |
| They saved money so as to buy a house. |
| I spoke clearly so as to be understood. |
| We left early so as to avoid traffic. |
| He dressed formally so as to make a good impression. |
| She researched carefully so as to avoid mistakes. |
| They planned meticulously so as to ensure success. |
| I exercised regularly so as to maintain my health. |
| We communicated openly so as to resolve the conflict. |
| He worked hard so as to achieve his goals. |
| She prepared thoroughly so as to be ready for the presentation. |
| They negotiated skillfully so as to reach an agreement. |
| I listened attentively so as to understand the speaker. |
| We organized efficiently so as to complete the project on time. |
| He invested wisely so as to secure his future. |
| She trained rigorously so as to win the competition. |
| They collaborated effectively so as to achieve their objectives. |
| I practiced diligently so as to improve my skills. |
| We planned carefully so as to prevent any problems. |
| He spoke softly so as to not disturb anyone. |
| She wrote clearly so as to convey her message effectively. |
| They organized the event so as to raise money for charity. |
| I researched thoroughly so as to present accurate information. |
| We arrived early so as to secure the best seats. |
Examples Using “So That + Clause”
The following table gives 20 examples of using “so that” to express purpose, with modal verbs to indicate possibility or intention.
| Sentence |
|---|
| She studied hard so that she could pass the exam. |
| He saved money so that he could buy a car. |
| They left early so that they wouldn’t be late. |
| I spoke clearly so that everyone could understand. |
| We exercised regularly so that we would stay healthy. |
| He wore a coat so that he wouldn’t get cold. |
| She closed the window so that the room would stay warm. |
| They whispered so that no one would overhear them. |
| I wrote down the address so that I wouldn’t forget it. |
| We booked the tickets in advance so that we could get good seats. |
| He set an alarm so that he wouldn’t oversleep. |
| She locked the door so that no one could enter. |
| They planted trees so that the air would be cleaner. |
| I took notes so that I could remember the important points. |
| We saved the document so that we wouldn’t lose our work. |
| He checked his email so that he wouldn’t miss any important messages. |
| She practiced her presentation so that she would feel confident. |
| They prepared the meal in advance so that they could relax later. |
| I backed up my files so that I wouldn’t lose any data. |
| We watered the plants so that they would grow healthy. |
Examples Using “In Order That + Clause”
This table provides a set of 20 examples illustrating the use of “in order that + clause” to express purpose, often with a formal tone.
| Sentence |
|---|
| He studied diligently in order that he might succeed. |
| She saved her money in order that she could travel the world. |
| They worked tirelessly in order that their children would have a better future. |
| I spoke clearly in order that everyone might understand me. |
| We exercised regularly in order that we would maintain our health. |
| He wore a disguise in order that no one would recognize him. |
| She locked the safe in order that the valuables would be secure. |
| They built a fence in order that the animals would not escape. |
| I wrote the instructions clearly in order that anyone could follow them. |
| We planned the event carefully in order that it would be a success. |
| He invested wisely in order that he might secure his retirement. |
| She trained rigorously in order that she could win the competition. |
| They negotiated skillfully in order that they would reach an agreement. |
| I listened attentively in order that I might understand the speaker’s point of view. |
| We organized the data efficiently in order that we could analyze it effectively. |
| He researched thoroughly in order that he would present accurate information. |
| She prepared meticulously in order that she would be ready for the interview. |
| They collaborated effectively in order that they could achieve their goals. |
| I practiced diligently in order that I might improve my skills. |
| We planned the project carefully in order that we would avoid any potential problems. |
Examples Using “Lest + Clause”
The following table demonstrates 15 examples of using “lest” to indicate a negative purpose or to prevent an undesirable outcome.
| Sentence |
|---|
| He ran quickly lest he should miss the train. |
| She hid the evidence lest she be accused of the crime. |
| They spoke softly lest they should wake the baby. |
| I locked the door lest someone should break in. |
| We kept the information secret lest it should fall into the wrong hands. |
| He checked the brakes lest the car should malfunction. |
| She wore a veil lest she be recognized. |
| They guarded the treasure lest it should be stolen. |
| I wrote down the instructions lest I should forget them. |
| We backed up the data lest it should be lost. |
| He checked his work carefully lest he should make a mistake. |
| She kept the medicine out of reach lest the children should take it. |
| They reinforced the building lest it should collapse. |
| I saved the document frequently lest the computer should crash. |
| We kept a close watch on the situation lest it should escalate. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When using alternatives to “in order to,” it’s important to consider the context and the desired level of formality. Here are some key usage rules and considerations:
- “To + Infinitive”: This is the most versatile and widely applicable option. Use it in both formal and informal contexts.
- “So As To + Infinitive”: This is more formal than “to + infinitive” and should be used sparingly to avoid sounding stilted.
- “So That + Clause” and “In Order That + Clause”: These options require a subject and a verb in the purpose clause. “In order that” is more formal and emphatic than “so that.”
- “Lest + Clause”: This is a formal and somewhat archaic option. It is best reserved for literary or highly formal contexts.
- “With a View to + Gerund”: This is a formal phrase that is often used in business and legal contexts.
- “For + Noun/Gerund”: Use this when you want to express the intended use or purpose of something.
- Tense Consistency: Ensure that the tense in the purpose clause is consistent with the tense in the main clause. For example, if the main clause is in the past tense, the purpose clause should also be in the past tense or use a modal verb that reflects past possibility or intention (e.g., “could,” “would”).
- Subject Agreement: Make sure that the subject of the purpose clause is clear and unambiguous. If the subject is the same as the subject of the main clause, it can often be omitted, especially with “to + infinitive.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using purpose clauses:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He went to the store for buy milk. | He went to the store to buy milk. | “For” should be followed by a noun or gerund, not an infinitive. |
| She studied hard so she pass the exam. | She studied hard so that she could pass the exam. | “So that” requires a clause with a subject and verb, often including a modal verb. |
| They saved money for to buy a house. | They saved money to buy a house. | Avoid using “for to” before an infinitive. Use “to + infinitive” directly. |
| He ran lest to miss the train. | He ran lest he should miss the train. | “Lest” requires a clause with a subject and “should” or “might.” |
| She invested with a view to increasing. | She invested with a view to increasing productivity. | Ensure the sentence is complete and clear. |
| I study so I pass the exam. | I study so that I can pass the exam. | “So” by itself is often insufficient; use “so that” for clarity. |
| He went to the gym for be healthy. | He went to the gym to be healthy. | Use “to be” instead of “for be.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on a different type of purpose clause.
Exercise 1: Rewrite using “To + Infinitive”
Rewrite the following sentences using “to + infinitive” to express purpose.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She went to the market so that she could buy groceries. | 1. She went to the market to buy groceries. |
| 2. He studies every night in order that he can improve his grades. | 2. He studies every night to improve his grades. |
| 3. They saved money so that they could travel the world. | 3. They saved money to travel the world. |
| 4. I woke up early so that I could catch the sunrise. | 4. I woke up early to catch the sunrise. |
| 5. We practice regularly in order that we can win the competition. | 5. We practice regularly to win the competition. |
| 6. The chef carefully selected the ingredients so that he could create a delicious meal. | 6. The chef carefully selected the ingredients to create a delicious meal. |
| 7. The company launched a new marketing campaign in order that they might increase sales. | 7. The company launched a new marketing campaign to increase sales. |
| 8. The teacher organized a field trip so that the students could learn outside the classroom. | 8. The teacher organized a field trip to learn outside the classroom. |
| 9. The athlete trained rigorously in order that she could improve her performance. | 9. The athlete trained rigorously to improve her performance. |
| 10. The volunteer dedicated his time so that he could help the community. | 10. The volunteer dedicated his time to help the community. |
Exercise 2: Rewrite using “So That + Clause”
Rewrite the following sentences using “so that + clause” to express purpose.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He exercised to stay healthy. | 1. He exercised so that he could stay healthy. |
| 2. She saved money to buy a car. | 2. She saved money so that she could buy a car. |
| 3. They left early to avoid traffic. | 3. They left early so that they wouldn’t be stuck in traffic. |
| 4. I spoke clearly to be understood. | 4. I spoke clearly so that everyone could understand me. |
| 5. We studied hard to pass the exam. | 5. We studied hard so that we could pass the exam. |
| 6. The engineer designed the bridge to withstand heavy storms. | 6. The engineer designed the bridge so that it could withstand heavy storms. |
| 7. The artist used bright colors to create a vibrant painting. | 7. The artist used bright colors so that the painting would be vibrant. |
| 8. The gardener watered the plants to help them grow. | 8. The gardener watered the plants so that they would grow. |
| 9. The detective gathered evidence to solve the mystery. | 9. The detective gathered evidence so that he could solve the mystery. |
| 10. The musician practiced the piece to perfect his performance. | 10. The musician practiced the piece so that he could perfect his performance. |
Exercise 3: Rewrite using “With a View To + Gerund”
Rewrite the following sentences using “with a view to + gerund” to express purpose.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The company invested in new technology to increase productivity. | 1. The company invested in new technology with a view to increasing productivity. |
| 2. He attended the conference to network with professionals. | 2. He attended the conference with a view to networking with professionals. |
| 3. She took a course to improve her skills. | 3. She took a course with a view to improving her skills. |
| 4. They launched a marketing campaign to attract new customers. | 4. They launched a marketing campaign with a view to attracting new customers. |
| 5. I saved money to buy a house. | 5. I saved money with a view to buying a house. |
| 6. The government implemented new policies to reduce pollution. | 6. The government implemented new policies with a view to reducing pollution. |
| 7. The school organized workshops to enhance student learning. | 7. The school organized workshops with a view to enhancing student learning. |
| 8. The hospital invested in modern equipment to improve patient care. | 8. The hospital invested in modern equipment with a view to improving patient care. |
| 9. The library acquired new books to expand its collection. | 9. The library acquired new books with a view to expanding its collection. |
| 10. The community organized a cleanup drive to beautify the neighborhood. | 10. The community organized a cleanup drive with a view to beautifying the neighborhood. |
Advanced Topics: Subtleties and Nuances
For advanced learners, understanding the subtleties and nuances of purpose clauses can further refine your writing and speaking skills. Here are some advanced topics to consider:
- Implied Purpose: Sometimes, the purpose is implied rather than explicitly stated. In these cases, the context provides the necessary information to understand the intention behind the action. For example: “She packed her bags and headed to the airport.” (The implied purpose is to travel somewhere.)
- Multiple Purposes: A sentence can express multiple purposes using a combination of purpose clauses or other grammatical structures. For example: “He studied hard to pass the exam and to get a good job.”
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: Be mindful of the level of formality required in different contexts. While “to + infinitive” is generally acceptable in all situations, more formal options like “in order that” and “with a view to” are best reserved for academic, professional, or legal writing.
- Negative Purpose: Use “lest” or “so that…not” to express a negative purpose, indicating what you want to avoid.
- Using “for” with adjectives: You can use “for” with adjectives to describe the purpose or suitability of something. Example: “This room is perfect for studying.”
- Ellipsis in Purpose Clauses: Sometimes, elements of a purpose clause can be omitted if they are understood from the context. For example, instead of “He went to the store to buy milk,” you might say “He went to the store to.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about purpose clauses:
- What is the difference between “so that” and “in order that”?
Both “so that” and “in order that” introduce purpose clauses. “In order that” is more formal and emphatic than “so that.” In most cases, “so that” is sufficient, but “in order that” can be used to emphasize a deliberate intention.
- When should I use “lest”?
“Lest” is a formal and somewhat archaic conjunction that means “in order that…not” or “for fear that.” Use it in literary or highly formal contexts to express a negative purpose or to prevent something undesirable from happening. It is often followed by “should” or “might.”
- Can I use “because” instead of “in order to”?
While “because” primarily indicates a reason or cause, it can sometimes imply purpose, especially when the context makes the intention clear. However, “in order to” and other purpose-specific phrases are generally more precise when you want to explicitly state the purpose behind an action.
- Is it always necessary to include a modal verb in a “so that” clause?
While not always grammatically required, including a modal verb (such as “can,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “might,” or “should”) in a “so
that” clause often makes the sentence clearer and more natural. The modal verb helps to express the possibility or likelihood of achieving the intended purpose.
Conclusion
By mastering these alternatives to “in order to,” you can significantly enhance the clarity, sophistication, and versatility of your English writing and speaking. Understanding the nuances of each option allows you to choose the most appropriate expression for any given context, conveying your intended meaning with precision and style.
Practice using these alternatives regularly to integrate them into your active vocabulary and elevate your communication skills.