Conjunctions are an essential component of any language, serving as the glue that holds sentences together. They help to convey the relationship between different parts of a sentence, making our communication clear and coherent. Among the various types of conjunctions, those of purpose hold a special significance. These conjunctions help to explain the reason or the purpose behind an action. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of conjunctions of purpose, exploring their usage, examples, and nuances to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.
What are Conjunctions of Purpose?
Conjunctions of purpose are used to explain why something is done. They help to introduce clauses that state the purpose of the action mentioned in the main clause. For example:
– “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”
– “He left early in order to catch the train.”
In these sentences, the conjunctions “so that” and “in order to” introduce the purpose of the actions mentioned in the main clauses.
Common Conjunctions of Purpose
Several conjunctions can be used to express purpose. Some of the most common ones include:
1. So that
2. In order to
3. So as to
4. Lest
5. For fear that
6. In case
7. To
Let’s explore each of these conjunctions in detail.
So That
“So that” is perhaps the most commonly used conjunction of purpose. It is used to introduce a clause that explains the purpose of the action in the main clause. The clause introduced by “so that” often includes a modal verb like “can,” “could,” “will,” or “would.”
– “I am saving money so that I can buy a new car.”
– “She brought an umbrella so that she would not get wet.”
In these sentences, “so that” introduces the purpose of saving money and bringing an umbrella.
In Order To
“In order to” is used to indicate the purpose of an action. It is followed by the base form of a verb (the infinitive form).
– “He is working overtime in order to finish the project.”
– “She moved to the city in order to find a better job.”
“In order to” can be used interchangeably with “so as to,” but it is often considered more formal.
So As To
“So as to” is similar to “in order to” and is used to express purpose. It is also followed by the base form of a verb.
– “She left early so as to avoid the traffic.”
– “He spoke softly so as to not wake the baby.”
“So as to” is slightly more formal than “in order to” and is often used in written English.
Lest
“Lest” is a conjunction used to introduce a clause that expresses a negative purpose. It is often followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
– “Take an umbrella lest it rain.”
– “He spoke quietly lest he be overheard.”
“Lest” is somewhat archaic and is more commonly found in literary or formal contexts.
For Fear That
“For fear that” is used to express a negative purpose and is similar to “lest.” It introduces a clause that explains the action taken to prevent something undesirable.
– “She stayed inside for fear that she might catch a cold.”
– “He locked the door for fear that someone might break in.”
“For fear that” is often followed by a clause with a modal verb like “might” or “could.”
In Case
“In case” is used to express a precautionary action taken to prepare for a possible future event.
– “Take your phone in case you need to call for help.”
– “Bring a jacket in case it gets cold.”
“In case” introduces a clause that explains the reason for taking precautionary measures.
To
“To” is the simplest conjunction of purpose and is used to introduce an infinitive clause that explains the purpose of the action in the main clause.
– “She went to the store to buy some milk.”
– “He studied hard to get good grades.”
“To” is straightforward and commonly used in both spoken and written English.
Special Considerations
When using conjunctions of purpose, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning.
Choice of Conjunction
The choice of conjunction often depends on the formality of the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, “in order to” and “so as to” are more formal than “to.” Similarly, “lest” and “for fear that” are used to express negative purposes and are more formal.
Verb Forms
Pay attention to the verb forms that follow the conjunctions. For instance, “in order to,” “so as to,” and “to” are followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive). “So that” is often followed by a clause containing a modal verb.
Negative Purpose
When expressing a negative purpose, use conjunctions like “lest” or “for fear that.” These conjunctions introduce clauses that explain actions taken to prevent something undesirable.
Examples in Context
Understanding conjunctions of purpose becomes easier when you see them used in context. Here are some examples of sentences and short paragraphs that incorporate conjunctions of purpose.
– “She wakes up early so that she can go for a morning jog. Exercise is important to her, and she believes that starting the day with a jog helps her stay fit and energetic.”
– “He took a first aid course in order to be prepared for emergencies. Knowing how to respond in critical situations gives him confidence and peace of mind.”
– “They whispered so as to not disturb the sleeping baby. The baby had had a long day, and they didn’t want to wake her up with loud noises.”
– “He carried a map lest he get lost in the unfamiliar city. Navigating through new places can be challenging, and he wanted to ensure he could find his way.”
– “She avoided crowded places for fear that she might catch the flu. With the flu season in full swing, she took extra precautions to stay healthy.”
– “He packed an extra battery in case his phone ran out of power. Staying connected was crucial, especially when traveling in remote areas.”
– “She enrolled in a cooking class to learn how to prepare healthy meals. Cooking nutritious food at home was a priority for her, and she wanted to improve her culinary skills.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of conjunctions of purpose, try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunctions of purpose.
1. He bought a new laptop _______ he could work more efficiently.
2. She saved money _______ buy a new car.
3. They moved to the countryside _______ enjoy a quieter life.
4. He studied hard _______ he would pass the exam.
5. She brought an extra pen _______ she needed it.
6. He spoke softly _______ not to wake the baby.
7. She took an umbrella _______ it rained.
Answers:
1. so that
2. to
3. to
4. so that
5. in case
6. so as to
7. lest
Conclusion
Conjunctions of purpose are vital tools in the English language, allowing us to clearly express the reasons behind our actions. By understanding and using these conjunctions correctly, you can make your communication more precise and effective. Whether you are writing an essay, giving a speech, or simply having a conversation, the ability to convey purpose clearly will enhance your language skills and help you connect better with your audience.
Remember to consider the context and formality when choosing the appropriate conjunction of purpose. Practice using these conjunctions in your writing and speaking to become more comfortable with them. With time and practice, you will master the art of expressing purpose in English, making your communication more nuanced and impactful.
Happy learning!
