The phrase “in order to” is frequently used in English to express purpose or intention. However, relying on it repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous.
Expanding your repertoire with alternative expressions will not only enhance the flow and sophistication of your language but also allow you to convey subtle nuances of meaning. This article explores a variety of ways to express purpose, offering detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you master these alternatives.
Whether you are a student aiming for higher grades, a professional seeking to improve your communication skills, or simply an English enthusiast looking to refine your language proficiency, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to express purpose effectively and elegantly. By understanding the nuances of each alternative, you can choose the most appropriate phrase for any given context, making your writing and speech more precise and engaging.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “In Order To”
- Structural Breakdown
- Alternatives to “In Order To”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “In Order To”
“In order to” is a conjunction of purpose. It is used to introduce a subordinate clause that explains the reason or intention behind an action.
The phrase indicates that something is done with a specific goal or objective in mind. It is a more formal equivalent of “to” when expressing purpose.
Classification: Conjunction of Purpose
Function: To express the purpose or reason for an action.
Contexts: Formal writing, academic papers, professional communication, and situations where clarity and precision are required.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a sentence using “in order to” typically follows this pattern:
Main Clause + “in order to” + Infinitive Verb + Optional Object/Complement
For example:
She studied diligently in order to pass the exam.
In this sentence:
- “She studied diligently” is the main clause.
- “in order to” introduces the purpose.
- “pass” is the infinitive verb.
- “the exam” is the object of the infinitive verb.
The phrase “in order to” always precedes an infinitive verb (the base form of the verb with “to”). The main clause provides the action, and the “in order to” clause provides the reason or purpose for that action.
Alternatives to “In Order To”
There are various alternatives to “in order to,” each with its own subtle differences in meaning and usage. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to choose the most appropriate phrase for your specific context.
To + Infinitive
The simplest and most common alternative is using “to” followed by the infinitive form of the verb. This construction is generally less formal than “in order to” but conveys the same meaning of purpose.
Structure: Main Clause + to + Infinitive Verb + Optional Object/Complement
So As To + Infinitive
“So as to” is another alternative to “in order to,” often considered slightly more formal than simply using “to.” It also expresses purpose or intention.
Structure: Main Clause + so as to + Infinitive Verb + Optional Object/Complement
In Order That + Clause
“In order that” is used to introduce a clause that expresses a purpose or aim. Unlike “in order to,” it is followed by a full clause (subject + verb + object/complement) and often includes a modal verb such as “can,” “could,” “will,” or “would.”
Structure: Main Clause + in order that + Subject + Modal Verb + Verb + Optional Object/Complement
So That + Clause
“So that” is similar to “in order that” and is also followed by a full clause. It expresses the purpose or result of an action.
Like “in order that,” it often includes a modal verb.
Structure: Main Clause + so that + Subject + Modal Verb + Verb + Optional Object/Complement
With the Aim Of + Gerund
“With the aim of” is followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun). It indicates the intention or goal behind an action.
Structure: Main Clause + with the aim of + Gerund + Optional Object/Complement
With the Intention Of + Gerund
Similar to “with the aim of,” “with the intention of” is also followed by a gerund and expresses the purpose or intent behind an action. They are often interchangeable.
Structure: Main Clause + with the intention of + Gerund + Optional Object/Complement
For + Noun/Gerund
“For” can be used to express purpose when followed by a noun or a gerund. This construction is often used to indicate the reason or function of something.
Structure: Main Clause + for + Noun/Gerund
To That End
“To that end” is a more formal phrase used to introduce a statement that explains the purpose or goal of a preceding action or statement. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Structure: Main Clause. To that end, + Clause expressing purpose.
As + Clause of Purpose
Using “as” to indicate purpose is less common but can be effective in certain contexts. It often implies a simultaneous action and purpose.
Structure: Clause with Action, as + Clause of Purpose.
Examples
The following tables provide examples of each alternative to “in order to,” illustrating their usage in different contexts.
Examples Using “To + Infinitive”
The table below shows examples using “to + infinitive” to express purpose. This is a versatile and commonly used alternative to “in order to.”
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She exercises regularly to stay healthy. | She exercises with the purpose of staying healthy. |
| He saved money to buy a new car. | He saved money with the purpose of buying a new car. |
| They traveled to Italy to learn Italian. | They traveled to Italy with the purpose of learning Italian. |
| I woke up early to catch the train. | I woke up early with the purpose of catching the train. |
| We studied hard to pass the exam. | We studied hard with the purpose of passing the exam. |
| The company invested in new technology to improve efficiency. | The company invested in new technology with the purpose of improving efficiency. |
| He went to the library to borrow some books. | He went to the library with the purpose of borrowing some books. |
| She called him to ask for help. | She called him with the purpose of asking for help. |
| They organized a meeting to discuss the project. | They organized a meeting with the purpose of discussing the project. |
| He practices the piano to improve his skills. | He practices the piano with the purpose of improving his skills. |
| She volunteers at the shelter to help animals. | She volunteers at the shelter with the purpose of helping animals. |
| They planted trees to create shade. | They planted trees with the purpose of creating shade. |
| I went to the store to buy groceries. | I went to the store with the purpose of buying groceries. |
| We visited the museum to see the artifacts. | We visited the museum with the purpose of seeing the artifacts. |
| The chef used fresh ingredients to create a delicious meal. | The chef used fresh ingredients with the purpose of creating a delicious meal. |
| He took a course to learn new skills. | He took a course with the purpose of learning new skills. |
| She joined the club to meet new people. | She joined the club with the purpose of meeting new people. |
| They worked overtime to finish the project. | They worked overtime with the purpose of finishing the project. |
| I saved my allowance to buy a new toy. | I saved my allowance with the purpose of buying a new toy. |
| The scientist conducted experiments to find a cure. | The scientist conducted experiments with the purpose of finding a cure. |
Examples Using “So As To + Infinitive”
“So as to” is a slightly more formal alternative to “to + infinitive.” The following table provides examples of its usage.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She arrived early so as to get a good seat. | She arrived early with the purpose of getting a good seat. |
| He studied hard so as to pass the exam. | He studied hard with the purpose of passing the exam. |
| They whispered so as not to wake the baby. | They whispered with the purpose of not waking the baby. |
| I exercised regularly so as to stay healthy. | I exercised regularly with the purpose of staying healthy. |
| We saved money so as to buy a house. | We saved money with the purpose of buying a house. |
| The company invested in research so as to develop new products. | The company invested in research with the purpose of developing new products. |
| He spoke clearly so as to be understood. | He spoke clearly with the purpose of being understood. |
| She dressed warmly so as not to catch a cold. | She dressed warmly with the purpose of not catching a cold. |
| They planned carefully so as to avoid mistakes. | They planned carefully with the purpose of avoiding mistakes. |
| He trained rigorously so as to win the competition. | He trained rigorously with the purpose of winning the competition. |
| She ate a healthy breakfast so as to have energy for the day. | She ate a healthy breakfast with the purpose of having energy for the day. |
| They locked the doors so as to prevent intrusion. | They locked the doors with the purpose of preventing intrusion. |
| I set an alarm so as not to oversleep. | I set an alarm with the purpose of not oversleeping. |
| We checked the map so as to find the right route. | We checked the map with the purpose of finding the right route. |
| The engineer designed the bridge so as to withstand strong winds. | The engineer designed the bridge with the purpose of withstanding strong winds. |
| He practiced his speech so as to deliver it confidently. | He practiced his speech with the purpose of delivering it confidently. |
| She studied the instructions so as to assemble the furniture correctly. | She studied the instructions with the purpose of assembling the furniture correctly. |
| They negotiated carefully so as to reach a fair agreement. | They negotiated carefully with the purpose of reaching a fair agreement. |
| I saved the document frequently so as not to lose my work. | I saved the document frequently with the purpose of not losing my work. |
| The gardener watered the plants regularly so as to keep them healthy. | The gardener watered the plants regularly with the purpose of keeping them healthy. |
Examples Using “In Order That + Clause”
“In order that” introduces a clause of purpose, often including a modal verb. Below are examples illustrating its use.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She studied hard in order that she could pass the exam. | She studied hard so that she would be able to pass the exam. |
| He saved money in order that he might buy a new car. | He saved money so that he would be able to buy a new car. |
| They whispered in order that no one would hear them. | They whispered so that no one would hear them. |
| I exercise regularly in order that I can stay healthy. | I exercise regularly so that I am able to stay healthy. |
| We planted trees in order that future generations could enjoy them. | We planted trees so that future generations would be able to enjoy them. |
| The company invested in training in order that employees could improve their skills. | The company invested in training so that employees would be able to improve their skills. |
| He spoke clearly in order that everyone could understand him. | He spoke clearly so that everyone would be able to understand him. |
| She wrote down the instructions in order that she wouldn’t forget them. | She wrote down the instructions so that she would not forget them. |
| They prepared carefully in order that they could succeed. | They prepared carefully so that they would be able to succeed. |
| He worked overtime in order that he could earn more money. | He worked overtime so that he would be able to earn more money. |
| She took notes in order that she could remember the details. | She took notes so that she would be able to remember the details. |
| They saved energy in order that they could reduce their carbon footprint. | They saved energy so that they would be able to reduce their carbon footprint. |
| I set reminders in order that I wouldn’t miss the appointments. | I set reminders so that I would not miss the appointments. |
| We checked the schedule in order that we could arrive on time. | We checked the schedule so that we would be able to arrive on time. |
| The architect designed the building in order that it would be energy-efficient. | The architect designed the building so that it would be energy-efficient. |
| He practiced his presentation in order that he could deliver it smoothly. | He practiced his presentation so that he would be able to deliver it smoothly. |
| She studied the regulations in order that she could comply with the law. | She studied the regulations so that she would be able to comply with the law. |
| They negotiated the terms in order that they could reach a fair agreement. | They negotiated the terms so that they would be able to reach a fair agreement. |
| I backed up my data in order that I wouldn’t lose important information. | I backed up my data so that I would not lose important information. |
| The scientist conducted research in order that he could find a new cure. | The scientist conducted research so that he would be able to find a new cure. |
Examples Using “With the Aim Of + Gerund” and “With the Intention Of + Gerund”
These phrases are followed by a gerund and express the purpose behind an action. They are often interchangeable.
The table provides combined examples.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She is studying hard with the aim of passing the exam. | She is studying hard with the goal of passing the exam. |
| He saved money with the intention of buying a new car. | He saved money with the purpose of buying a new car. |
| They are practicing with the aim of winning the competition. | They are practicing with the goal of winning the competition. |
| I am exercising with the intention of staying healthy. | I am exercising with the purpose of staying healthy. |
| We are volunteering with the aim of helping the community. | We are volunteering with the goal of helping the community. |
| The company invested with the intention of expanding its market share. | The company invested with the purpose of expanding its market share. |
| He is working with the aim of getting a promotion. | He is working with the goal of getting a promotion. |
| She is learning a new language with the intention of traveling abroad. | She is learning a new language with the purpose of traveling abroad. |
| They are collaborating with the aim of creating innovative solutions. | They are collaborating with the goal of creating innovative solutions. |
| He is researching with the intention of discovering new information. | He is researching with the purpose of discovering new information. |
| She is networking with the aim of building professional relationships. | She is networking with the goal of building professional relationships. |
| They are fundraising with the intention of supporting a charity. | They are fundraising with the purpose of supporting a charity. |
| I am meditating with the aim of reducing stress. | I am meditating with the goal of reducing stress. |
| We are recycling with the intention of protecting the environment. | We are recycling with the purpose of protecting the environment. |
| The artist is painting with the aim of expressing emotions. | The artist is painting with the goal of expressing emotions. |
| He is writing with the intention of inspiring others. | He is writing with the purpose of inspiring others. |
| She is cooking with the aim of creating a delicious meal. | She is cooking with the goal of creating a delicious meal. |
| They are building with the intention of creating a sustainable home. | They are building with the purpose of creating a sustainable home. |
| I am reading with the aim of expanding my knowledge. | I am reading with the goal of expanding my knowledge. |
| The scientist is experimenting with the intention of finding a breakthrough. | The scientist is experimenting with the purpose of finding a breakthrough. |
Usage Rules
When using alternatives to “in order to,” it’s important to follow certain rules to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity:
- To + Infinitive: Ensure the infinitive verb is in its base form (e.g., to go, to eat, to study).
- So As To + Infinitive: Similar to “to + infinitive,” the verb must be in its base form. Avoid splitting “so as to.”
- In Order That + Clause: Use a complete clause with a subject and verb, and include a modal verb when appropriate.
- So That + Clause: Follow the same rules as “in order that,” ensuring a complete clause with a subject and verb.
- With the Aim/Intention Of + Gerund: Use the -ing form of the verb (gerund) after these phrases.
- For + Noun/Gerund: Use a noun or gerund that clearly indicates the purpose or reason.
- To That End: Use this phrase to introduce a statement that clarifies the purpose of a previous action. It often starts a new sentence.
- As + Clause of Purpose: Ensure the “as” clause clearly indicates the purpose and follows the main action logically.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “in order to”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She studied hard for to pass the exam. | She studied hard to pass the exam. | Avoid using “for to” before an infinitive. |
| He saved money so to buy a new car. | He saved money so as to buy a new car. | “So as to” should be used instead of “so to.” |
| They whispered in order that to not be heard. | They whispered in order that they would not be heard. | “In order that” requires a full clause with a subject and verb. |
| I exercise with the aim to stay healthy. | I exercise with the aim of staying healthy. | “With the aim of” requires a gerund (-ing form of the verb). |
| We planted trees for to have shade. | We planted trees for shade. | Avoid using “for to” before a noun. |
| She went to the store in order that buy milk. | She went to the store in order that she could buy milk. | “In order that” must be followed by a clause with a subject and a verb. |
| He works hard with the intention improve his skills. | He works hard with the intention of improving his skills. | “With the intention of” must be followed by a gerund. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate alternative to “in order to.”
Exercise 1
Complete the following sentences using “to + infinitive.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She went to the library ______ (study). | 1. to study |
| 2. He saved his money ______ (buy) a new bike. | 2. to buy |
| 3. They woke up early ______ (catch) the bus. | 3. to catch |
| 4. I exercise regularly ______ (stay) fit. | 4. to stay |
| 5. We traveled to Europe ______ (see) the sights. | 5. to see |
| 6. The chef used fresh herbs ______ (flavor) the dish. | 6. to flavor |
| 7. She took a class _______ (learn) a new skill. | 7. to learn |
| 8. They practice every day _______ (improve) their performance. | 8. to improve |
| 9. He reads books _______ (expand) his knowledge. | 9. to expand |
| 10. I listen to music _______ (relax). | 10. to relax |
Exercise 2
Rewrite the following sentences using “so as to + infinitive.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She spoke clearly to be understood. | 1. She spoke clearly so as to be understood. |
| 2. He studied hard to pass the test. | 2. He studied hard so as to pass the test. |
| 3. They saved money to travel the world. | 3. They saved money so as to travel the world. |
| 4. I woke up early to avoid the traffic. | 4. I woke up early so as to avoid the traffic. |
| 5. We planned carefully to prevent mistakes. | 5. We planned carefully so as to prevent mistakes. |
| 6. The company invested to expand its operations. | 6. The company invested so as to expand its operations. |
| 7. He trained rigorously to win the race. | 7. He trained rigorously so as to win the race. |
| 8. She dressed warmly to not get cold. | 8. She dressed warmly so as not to get cold. |
| 9. They whispered to not disturb others. | 9. They whispered so as not to disturb others. |
| 10. I set an alarm to not oversleep. | 10. I set an alarm so as not to oversleep. |
Exercise 3
Rewrite the following sentences using “in order that + clause.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She studied hard to pass the exam. | 1. She studied hard in order that she could pass the exam. |
| 2. He saved money to buy a new car. | 2. He saved money in order that he could buy a new car. |
| 3. They whispered so no one would hear them. | 3. They whispered in order that no one would hear them. |
| 4. I exercise regularly so I can stay healthy. | 4. I exercise regularly in order that I can stay healthy. |
| 5. We planted trees so future generations could enjoy them. | 5. We planted trees in order that future generations could enjoy them. |
| 6. The company invested so employees could improve their skills. | 6. The company invested in order that employees could improve their skills. |
| 7. He spoke clearly so everyone could understand him. | 7. He spoke clearly in order that everyone could understand him. |
| 8. She wrote instructions so she wouldn’t forget. | 8. She wrote instructions in order that she wouldn’t forget them. |
| 9. They prepared so they could succeed. | 9. They prepared in order that they could succeed. |
| 10. He worked overtime so he could earn more money. | 10. He worked overtime in order that he could earn more money. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the subtle differences in formality and emphasis between these alternatives. For instance, “in order that” is generally more formal than “so that.” Additionally, practice using these alternatives in complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions.
Understanding the historical context and evolution of these phrases can also provide deeper insights into their usage.
FAQ
- Is “in order to” always necessary?
No, “in order to” is not always necessary. Often, the simpler “to” is sufficient and more natural, especially in informal contexts. “In order to” is more appropriate when you want to emphasize the purpose or when writing formally.
- When should I use “in order that” instead of “so that”?
“In order that” is more formal than “so that.” Use “in order that” in formal writing or when you want to add emphasis to the purpose. In most everyday situations, “so that” is perfectly acceptable.
- Can I use “in order to” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, you can, but it’s less common. It’s generally better to place the main clause first for clarity. For example, instead of “In order to pass the exam, she studied hard,” it’s better to say “She studied hard in order to pass the exam.”
- What’s the difference between “with the aim of” and “with the intention of”?
The difference is minimal. They are largely interchangeable and both express purpose. “With the aim of” might slightly emphasize the goal, while “with the intention of” might slightly emphasize the motivation, but in practice, they are used synonymously.
- Is it incorrect to split “so as to”?
Yes, it is generally considered incorrect to split “so as to.” The phrase should remain intact before the infinitive verb (e.g., “She saved money so as to buy a house,” not “She saved money so to as buy a house”).
- How can I avoid overusing “in order to” in my writing?
The best way to avoid overuse is to consciously vary your sentence structure and use the alternatives discussed in this article. Read your writing aloud and identify instances where “in order to” feels repetitive, then substitute with a more appropriate alternative.
- Can “for” always replace “in order to”?
No, “for” cannot always replace “in order to.” “For” is used to indicate the reason or purpose of something, often followed by a noun or gerund. “In order to” is used to introduce a clause of purpose with an infinitive verb. The contexts are different.
- Are there any regional differences in the use of these alternatives?
While the core meaning of these phrases remains consistent, there might be slight regional preferences. For instance, certain phrases might be more common in British English compared to American English. However, all the alternatives discussed are widely understood and accepted in standard English.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “in order to” is crucial for enhancing your English language skills. By understanding the subtle nuances and appropriate contexts for each alternative, you can express purpose more effectively and vary your writing style.
This not only improves clarity but also adds sophistication to your communication.
Remember to practice using these alternatives in your writing and speech. Pay attention to the context and choose the most appropriate phrase for each situation.
With consistent effort, you’ll be able to confidently and fluently express purpose in a variety of ways, making your English more engaging and impactful. Keep exploring, experimenting, and refining your understanding of these valuable grammar tools.