Another Way to Say “In Order To”: Mastering Purpose
Expressing purpose is a fundamental aspect of English grammar. While “in order to” is a common and correct way to indicate why something is done, relying solely on it can make your writing and speech sound repetitive. This article explores a variety of alternative phrases and grammatical structures that convey purpose with greater nuance and sophistication. By mastering these alternatives, you can enhance the clarity, flow, and impact of your communication. This guide is beneficial for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking to expand their vocabulary to advanced speakers aiming for more polished and professional expression.
This comprehensive guide delves into various ways to express purpose, providing detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises. By understanding and applying these techniques, you’ll be able to articulate your intentions with precision and style, making your communication more effective and engaging.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Expressing Purpose
- Structural Breakdown: Common Patterns
- Types and Categories of Purpose Expressions
- Examples of Alternative Expressions
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: Expressing Purpose
Expressing purpose in English involves indicating the reason or aim behind an action. It clarifies why something is being done. The phrase “in order to” serves this function, introducing a subordinate clause that explains the intention of the main clause. However, English offers a rich variety of alternative constructions, each with its own nuances and stylistic suitability.
These alternative constructions can be classified based on their grammatical structure: infinitives of purpose, prepositional phrases with “for,” clauses introduced by “so that” or “in order that,” and other idiomatic expressions. Understanding these different forms allows for more precise and varied communication, avoiding the monotony of repeated “in order to” phrases.
The function of these expressions is to provide context and motivation for an action. Consider the difference between “She exercises regularly” and “She exercises regularly in order to stay healthy.” The second sentence clearly states the purpose of her exercise routine. Mastering these expressions is crucial for constructing clear, coherent, and persuasive arguments.
Structural Breakdown: Common Patterns
Several structural patterns are frequently used to express purpose in English. Each pattern employs different grammatical elements to convey the intended meaning. Here’s a breakdown of some common structures:
- Infinitive of Purpose: Verb + to + Base Form of Verb (e.g., “She went to the library to study.”)
- “So as to”: So as to + Base Form of Verb (e.g., “He arrived early so as to secure a good seat.”)
- “For” + Noun: For + Noun (e.g., “This tool is for cutting wood.”)
- “With a View to” + Gerund: With a view to + Gerund (e.g., “They invested in new equipment with a view to increasing production.”)
- “So that” / “In Order That” + Clause: So that / In order that + Subject + Verb + Object (e.g., “She saved money so that she could travel the world.”)
Understanding these structural patterns allows you to construct grammatically correct and meaningful sentences that effectively express purpose. Paying attention to these patterns will also help you to avoid common errors.
Types and Categories of Purpose Expressions
There are several ways to categorize expressions of purpose, based on their grammatical structure and level of formality. Below are some of the most common types:
Infinitives of Purpose
Infinitives of purpose are a concise and elegant way to express the reason for an action. They consist of the word “to” followed by the base form of a verb. The infinitive phrase typically follows the main verb in the sentence.
For example: “I went to the store to buy milk.” Here, “to buy milk” explains the purpose of going to the store.
“So as to” and “As to”
“So as to” is a more formal alternative to “in order to” and is used to express purpose. “As to” is similar but can also mean “regarding” or “concerning,” so context is crucial.
For example: “He studied diligently so as to pass the exam.” This indicates that his diligent study was aimed at passing the exam.
“For” + Noun
Using “for” followed by a noun or gerund (verb + -ing) is another way to express purpose, often indicating the intended use of something.
For example: “This knife is for cutting vegetables.” The purpose of the knife is clearly defined.
“With a View to” + Gerund
“With a view to” is a formal expression that indicates an aim or intention. It is always followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).
For example: “The company invested in new technology with a view to increasing efficiency.” This indicates that the investment was made with the specific goal of improving efficiency.
“So that” and “In Order That”
“So that” and “in order that” introduce a subordinate clause that explains the purpose of the main clause. “In order that” is more formal than “so that.”
For example: “She exercised regularly so that she could stay healthy.” The purpose of her exercise is to maintain good health.
“Lest”
“Lest” is a formal and somewhat archaic word that means “in order that… not” or “for fear that.” It is often used in literary contexts.
For example: “He ran quickly lest he should miss the train.” This means he ran quickly to avoid missing the train.
Examples of Alternative Expressions
To illustrate the different ways to express purpose, here are several examples categorized by the grammatical structure used.
Examples with Infinitives of Purpose
The table below showcases how infinitives of purpose are used in various sentences to clearly state intentions. Infinitives of purpose usually follow the action they describe.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She went to Italy to learn Italian. | The reason for her trip to Italy was to study the language. |
| He exercises every day to stay in shape. | The purpose of his daily exercise is to maintain his fitness. |
| They saved money to buy a house. | Their reason for saving money was to purchase a home. |
| I called him to ask about the meeting. | The reason for the call was to inquire about the meeting. |
| We traveled to the mountains to hike scenic trails. | The purpose of the trip to the mountains was to hike. |
| The chef added spices to enhance the flavor. | The reason for adding spices was to improve the taste. |
| The student studied hard to pass the exam. | The purpose of the student’s hard work was to succeed in the exam. |
| The company launched a new campaign to attract more customers. | The intention of the new campaign was to gain new customers. |
| She volunteered at the shelter to help animals. | The reason for volunteering was to assist animals. |
| He practiced the piano to improve his skills. | The purpose of practicing was to become better at playing. |
| They organized a fundraiser to raise money for charity. | The reason for the fundraiser was to collect donations. |
| I woke up early to catch the sunrise. | The purpose of waking up early was to see the sunrise. |
| She wore a coat to keep warm. | The reason for wearing a coat was to stay warm. |
| The engineer designed the bridge to withstand strong winds. | The purpose of the design was to ensure the bridge could handle strong winds. |
| The artist used bright colors to create a cheerful atmosphere. | The reason for using bright colors was to make the atmosphere more cheerful. |
| He went to the doctor to get a check-up. | The reason for going to the doctor was to have a medical examination. |
| She took a class to learn a new skill. | The purpose of taking the class was to acquire a new skill. |
| They bought a new car to travel more comfortably. | The reason for buying a new car was to have more comfortable travel. |
| I saved the article to read it later. | The reason for saving the article was to read it at a later time. |
| We planted trees to improve the environment. | The purpose of planting trees was to enhance the environment. |
| The government implemented new policies to reduce pollution. | The reason for implementing new policies was to lower pollution levels. |
| The teacher used visual aids to explain the concept. | The purpose of using visual aids was to clarify the concept. |
| The athlete trained hard to win the competition. | The reason for the athlete’s hard training was to achieve victory in the competition. |
| The company invested in research and development to innovate new products. | The purpose of investing in R&D was to create new products through innovation. |
| The city built a new park to provide green spaces for residents. | The reason for building a new park was to offer green areas for the city’s inhabitants. |
Examples with “So as to”
“So as to” is a more formal way of expressing purpose. The following table provides examples of its usage in sentences.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| He arrived early so as to secure a good seat. | He wanted to get a good seat, so he arrived early. |
| She studied diligently so as to pass the exam. | She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. |
| They saved money so as to buy a house. | They were saving money with the intention of buying a house. |
| I called him so as to clarify the details. | The purpose of the call was to clarify the details. |
| We prepared thoroughly so as to avoid any mistakes. | The purpose of the thorough preparation was to prevent errors. |
| The chef used fresh ingredients so as to enhance the flavor. | Fresh ingredients were used to improve the taste. |
| The company invested in training so as to improve employee skills. | The company invested to make their employees more skilled. |
| She volunteered her time so as to make a difference in the community. | She wanted to contribute positively to the community. |
| He practiced regularly so as to perfect his technique. | He practiced to become technically perfect. |
| They planned carefully so as to ensure a successful event. | Careful planning was performed to have a successful event. |
| I woke up early so as to avoid the traffic. | The reason for waking up early was to miss the traffic. |
| She wore warm clothes so as to protect herself from the cold. | She wore warm clothes for protection from the cold. |
| The engineer designed the system carefully so as to prevent failures. | Careful design was performed to prevent system failures. |
| The artist experimented with different techniques so as to achieve the desired effect. | The artist tried to create a particular effect. |
| He consulted with experts so as to make informed decisions. | He spoke with experts to make informed decisions. |
| She arrived on time so as to not miss the beginning of the meeting. | The reason for arriving on time was to not miss the start of the meeting. |
| They revised their plans so as to accommodate the changes. | The plans were revised to accommodate the changes. |
| I double-checked the figures so as to ensure accuracy. | The figures were double-checked to make sure they were accurate. |
| We reserved the tickets in advance so as to guarantee our seats. | The tickets were reserved early to ensure we had seats. |
| The government implemented new regulations so as to protect the environment. | New regulations were implemented to protect the environment. |
| The teacher provided extra support so as to help struggling students. | Extra support was provided to help struggling students. |
| The athlete followed a strict diet so as to optimize performance. | A strict diet was followed to maximize performance. |
| The company invested in cybersecurity so as to protect sensitive data. | Cybersecurity was invested in to protect sensitive data. |
| The city developed a disaster preparedness plan so as to minimize the impact of emergencies. | A disaster preparedness plan was created to reduce the impact of emergencies. |
Examples with “For” + Noun
Using “for” followed by a noun is a concise way to indicate the purpose of something. The table below lists various examples.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| This tool is for cutting wood. | The tool’s intended use is to cut wood. |
| This room is for storage. | Its purpose is to store things. |
| These funds are for education. | The funds are intended to be used for educational purposes. |
| The machine is for processing data. | The machine is designed to process data. |
| This area is for parking. | The area is designated as a parking space. |
| The software is for managing projects. | The software is used to manage projects. |
| The medicine is for treating infections. | The medicine’s purpose is to treat infections. |
| This book is for learning English. | The book’s purpose is to help people learn English. |
| The workshop is for developing new skills. | The workshop helps participants develop new skills. |
| The campaign is for raising awareness. | The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness. |
| The donation is for supporting local charities. | The purpose of the donation is to support local charities. |
| The equipment is for conducting scientific research. | The equipment is used to conduct scientific research. |
| The scholarship is for promoting higher education. | The scholarship is intended to promote higher education. |
| The grant is for funding innovative projects. | The grant is used to fund innovative projects. |
| The initiative is for improving public health. | The initiative aims to improve public health. |
| The program is for fostering leadership skills. | The program’s purpose is to develop leadership skills. |
| The conference is for sharing knowledge and ideas. | The conference is an opportunity to share knowledge and ideas. |
| The exhibition is for showcasing artistic talent. | The exhibition is designed to showcase artistic talent. |
| The festival is for celebrating cultural diversity. | The festival is a celebration of cultural diversity. |
| The award is for recognizing outstanding achievements. | The award is given to acknowledge outstanding achievements. |
| This application is for tracking expenses. | The application is used to track expenses. |
| This software is for editing videos. | The software is intended for video editing. |
| The website is for providing information. | The website’s purpose is to provide information. |
| The museum is for preserving historical artifacts. | The museum is dedicated to preserving historical artifacts. |
| The library is for lending books and resources. | The library’s purpose is to provide books and resources to the public. |
Examples with “With a View to” + Gerund
“With a view to” followed by a gerund is a formal way to express a specific aim or intention. The table below provides examples of its usage.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| They invested in new equipment with a view to increasing production. | The investment was made with the goal of boosting production. |
| She is taking a course with a view to advancing her career. | She is taking the course to improve her career prospects. |
| The company implemented new policies with a view to improving efficiency. | The policies were implemented to make the company more efficient. |
| He is saving money with a view to buying a house. | He is saving money to eventually buy a house. |
| We are conducting research with a view to finding a cure. | The research is being conducted to find a cure. |
| The government launched the initiative with a view to reducing poverty. | The initiative was launched to reduce poverty levels. |
| The organization is working with a view to promoting education. | The organization’s aim is to promote education. |
| The city is developing infrastructure with a view to attracting investment. | The city is developing infrastructure to attract investment. |
| The team is collaborating with a view to achieving a common goal. | The team is working together to achieve a shared goal. |
| The university is offering scholarships with a view to supporting talented students. | Scholarships are offered to support talented students. |
| The artist is experimenting with a view to creating a unique style. | The artist is trying to develop a unique style. |
| The author is writing a book with a view to inspiring readers. | The author hopes to inspire readers. |
| The musician is composing a song with a view to touching people’s hearts. | The musician wants to create an emotional impact. |
| The scientist is conducting experiments with a view to discovering new knowledge. | The scientist is seeking new knowledge. |
| The engineer is designing a bridge with a view to improving transportation. | The engineer wants to improve transportation. |
| The chef is creating a new dish with a view to delighting customers. | The chef wants to please customers. |
| The teacher is using innovative methods with a view to enhancing learning. | The teacher wants to improve learning outcomes. |
| The coach is providing training with a view to maximizing athletic performance. | The coach wants to improve athletic performance. |
| The manager is implementing changes with a view to optimizing workflow. | The manager is trying to improve the workflow. |
| The entrepreneur is starting a business with a view to creating jobs. | The entrepreneur wants to create jobs. |
| The organization is promoting sustainable practices with a view to protecting the environment. | The organization wants to protect the environment. |
| The community is organizing events with a view to fostering social cohesion. | The community wants to strengthen social bonds. |
| The government is investing in renewable energy with a view to reducing carbon emissions. | The government wants to reduce carbon emissions. |
| The researcher is analyzing data with a view to identifying trends. | The researcher wants to identify trends. |
| The designer is creating a prototype with a view to testing its functionality. | The designer wants to test the prototype’s functionality. |
Examples with “So That”
“So that” introduces a clause explaining the purpose behind an action. Here are some examples:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She saved money so that she could travel the world. | She saved money with the intention of traveling. |
| He studied hard so that he would get good grades. | He studied hard to achieve good grades. |
| They planted trees so that the air would be cleaner. | They planted trees to improve air quality. |
| I called him so that he would know about the change of plans. | I called him to inform him about the changed plans. |
| We left early so that we wouldn’t miss the train. | We left early to avoid missing the train. |
| The chef added spices so that the dish would taste better. | Spices were added to enhance the taste. |
| The company invested in training so that employees could improve their skills. | The company invested to help employees become more skilled. |
| She volunteered her time so that she could help others in need. | She volunteered to assist those in need. |
| He practiced regularly so that he could perfect his technique. | He practiced to become technically perfect. |
| They planned carefully so that the event would be a success. | Careful planning was performed to have a successful event. |
| I woke up early so that I could enjoy the sunrise. | The reason for waking up early was to see the sunrise. |
| She wore warm clothes so that she wouldn’t get cold. | She wore warm clothes to protect herself from the cold. |
| The engineer designed the system carefully so that it wouldn’t fail. | Careful design was performed to prevent system failures. |
| The artist experimented with different techniques so that he could achieve the desired effect. | The artist tried to create a particular effect. |
| He consulted with experts so that he could make informed decisions. | He spoke with experts to make informed decisions. |
| She arrived on time so that she wouldn’t miss the beginning of the meeting. | The reason for arriving on time was to not miss the start of the meeting. |
| They revised their plans so that they could accommodate the changes. | The plans were revised to accommodate the changes. |
| I double-checked the figures so that I could ensure accuracy. | The figures were double-checked to make sure they were accurate. |
| We reserved the tickets in advance so that we would guarantee our seats. | The tickets were reserved early to ensure we had seats. |
| The government implemented new regulations so that it could protect the environment. | New regulations were implemented to protect the environment. |
| The teacher provided extra support so that she could help struggling students. | Extra support was provided to help struggling students. |
| The athlete followed a strict diet so that he could optimize performance. | A strict diet was followed to maximize performance. |
| The company invested in cybersecurity so that it could protect sensitive data. | Cybersecurity was invested in to protect sensitive data. |
| The city developed a disaster preparedness plan so that it could minimize the impact of emergencies. | A disaster preparedness plan was created to reduce the impact of emergencies. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
Using these alternative expressions correctly involves understanding certain grammatical rules and stylistic considerations.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Some expressions, like “with a view to” and “in order that,” are considered more formal and are typically used in academic writing or professional communication. Others, like infinitives of purpose, are suitable for both formal and informal contexts. “So as to” is generally more formal than “in order to” but less formal than “with a view to.”
Subject Agreement with “So That”
When using “so that,” ensure that the subject of the subordinate clause is clear and agrees with the context of the main clause. For example, “She exercised so that she could stay healthy” is correct because “she” in both clauses refers to the same person.
Tense Consistency
Maintain tense consistency between the main clause and the subordinate clause expressing purpose. For example, if the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause should also reflect a past action or intention: “He studied hard so that he would pass the exam.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learners often make certain common mistakes when using these expressions. Here are some to watch out for:
- Incorrect: She went to store for buy milk. Correct: She went to the store to buy milk. (Incorrect use of “for” with a verb)
- Incorrect: He studied hard with a view to pass the exam. Correct: He studied hard with a view to passing the exam. (Missing gerund after “with a view to”)
- Incorrect: They saved money so that to buy a house. Correct: They saved money so that they could buy a house. (Missing subject in the “so that” clause)
- Incorrect: I called him for that he knows about the meeting. Correct: I called him so that he would know about the meeting. (Incorrect use of “for that”)
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate expression of purpose.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| She went to the library _______ some books. | She went to the library to borrow some books. |
| He exercises regularly _______ fit. | He exercises regularly to stay fit. |
| They saved money _______ a new car. | They saved money to buy a new car. |
| I called him _______ the details of the meeting. | I called him to discuss the details of the meeting. |
| We left early _______ missing the train. | We left early so as to avoid missing the train. |
| She studied hard _______ the exam. | She studied hard so as to pass the exam. |
| The company invested in training _______ employee skills. | The company invested in training with a view to improving employee skills. |
| He volunteered his time _______ a difference in the community. | He volunteered his time so that he could make a difference in the community. |
| She wore a coat _______ warm. | She wore a coat to keep warm. |
| They planted trees _______ the environment. | They planted trees to improve the environment. |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using “in order to” or one of its alternatives to express purpose.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| She went to Italy because she wanted to learn Italian. | She went to Italy in order to learn Italian. / She went to Italy to learn Italian. |
| He exercises every day because he wants to stay in shape. | He exercises every day in order to stay in shape. / He exercises every day to stay in shape. |
| They saved money because they wanted to buy a house. | They saved money in order to buy a house. / They saved money to buy a house. |
| I called him because I wanted to ask about the meeting. | I called him in order to ask about the meeting. / I called him to ask about the meeting. |
| We traveled to the mountains because we wanted to hike scenic trails. | We traveled to the mountains in order to hike scenic trails. / We traveled to the mountains to hike scenic trails. |
| The chef added spices because he wanted to enhance the flavor. | The chef added spices in order to enhance the flavor. / The chef added spices to enhance the flavor. |
| The student studied hard because he wanted to pass the exam. | The student studied hard in order to pass the exam. / The student studied hard to pass the exam. |
| The company launched a new campaign because they wanted to attract more customers. | The company launched a new campaign in order to attract more customers. / The company launched a new campaign to attract more customers. |
| She volunteered at the shelter because she wanted to help animals. | She volunteered at the shelter in order to help animals. / She volunteered at the shelter to help animals. |
| He practiced the piano because he wanted to improve his skills. | He practiced the piano in order to improve his skills. / He practiced the piano to improve his skills. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to expressing purpose.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| She went to market for buy some fruits. | She went to the market to buy some fruits. |
| He is studying hard with a view to pass the exam. | He is studying hard with a view to passing the exam. |
| They saved money so that to buy a new car. | They saved money so that they could buy a new car. |
| I called him for that he knows about the meeting. | I called him so that he would know about the meeting. |
| We left early for not miss the train. | We left early so as not to miss the train. |
| She is practicing to improve her skills for play the piano. | She is practicing to improve her skills in playing the piano. |
| He needs a knife for cut the bread. | He needs a knife to cut the bread. |
| They are saving money so they can to travel. | They are saving money so that they can travel. |
| I am learning English for can speak with foreigners. | I am learning English so that I can speak with foreigners. |
| She went to university for study medicine. | She went to university to study medicine. |
Advanced Topics
For those looking to further refine their understanding, here are some advanced topics related to expressing purpose.
Elliptical Clauses of Purpose
Elliptical clauses of purpose are shortened clauses where some words are omitted but the meaning is still clear from the context. This is common in informal speech and writing.
For example: “She went to the store, hoping to find some fresh produce.” Here, “hoping to find” is an elliptical clause of purpose, with the implied subject being “she.”
Nested Purposes
Nested purposes involve expressing multiple layers of intention within a single sentence. This can add complexity and depth to your writing.
For example: “He studied diligently to pass the exam, so as to get into a good university, with a view to building a successful career.” This sentence shows a chain of purposes, each building on the previous one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about expressing purpose in English.
Is “in order to” always necessary?
No, “in order to” is not always necessary. Often, the infinitive of purpose (“to” + verb) is sufficient and more concise.
When should I use “so as to” instead of “in order to”?
Use “so as to” in more formal contexts when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your writing or speech.
Can I use “for” with a verb?
No, you should not use “for” directly with the base form of a verb. Use “for” with a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing).
Is “lest” still used in modern English?
“Lest” is rarely used in everyday conversation or writing. It is mostly found in literary or formal contexts.
How can I avoid being repetitive when expressing purpose?
Vary your expressions by using different structures such as infinitives of purpose, “so as to,” “for” + noun, “with a view to,” and “so that.”
Conclusion
Mastering the art of expressing purpose in English involves understanding the nuances of different grammatical structures and choosing the most appropriate expression for the context. By diversifying your vocabulary and practicing these techniques, you can communicate your intentions with clarity, precision, and style. This not only enhances your writing and speaking skills but also allows you to convey your thoughts more effectively and persuasively. Whether you are writing an academic paper, giving a presentation, or simply engaging in a conversation, the ability to express purpose effectively is an invaluable asset.