In the world of language learning, understanding how to use conjunctions effectively is essential. Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, or clauses together, and they serve various purposes in sentences. One of the key functions of conjunctions is to express purpose. Conjunctions that express purpose help clarify why something is happening, providing the reason or goal behind an action. This article will explore different conjunctions used to express purpose, how they are used in sentences, and provide examples to enhance your understanding.
Common Conjunctions to Express Purpose
Several conjunctions are commonly used to express purpose in English. These include “so that,” “in order that,” “so as to,” “in order to,” and “for the purpose of.” Each of these conjunctions has its own unique usage and nuances, which we will delve into below.
So That
One of the most frequently used conjunctions to express purpose is “so that.” This conjunction is used to indicate the reason or goal behind an action. It is often followed by a clause that explains the intended outcome.
Example:
– She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.
In this sentence, “so that” introduces the purpose of studying hard, which is to pass the exam. Notice that the clause following “so that” typically contains a modal verb (could, would, might, etc.).
In Order That
Another conjunction used to express purpose is “in order that.” This conjunction is slightly more formal than “so that” and is often used in written language. It also introduces a clause that explains the goal behind an action.
Example:
– They implemented new policies in order that the company might improve its efficiency.
Here, “in order that” introduces the purpose of implementing new policies, which is to improve the company’s efficiency. Just like with “so that,” the clause following “in order that” often contains a modal verb.
So As To
“So as to” is a conjunction used to express purpose, and it is often used in more formal contexts. It introduces an infinitive verb phrase that explains the reason for an action.
Example:
– He left early so as to avoid traffic.
In this sentence, “so as to” introduces the purpose of leaving early, which is to avoid traffic. The phrase following “so as to” is an infinitive verb phrase.
In Order To
“In order to” is another conjunction used to express purpose. It is similar to “so as to” and is also followed by an infinitive verb phrase. “In order to” is commonly used in both spoken and written language.
Example:
– She saved money in order to buy a new car.
Here, “in order to” introduces the purpose of saving money, which is to buy a new car. The phrase following “in order to” is an infinitive verb phrase.
For the Purpose Of
“For the purpose of” is a more formal conjunction used to express purpose. It is often used in legal or official documents and introduces a gerund (verb + -ing) phrase that explains the goal behind an action.
Example:
– The committee was formed for the purpose of evaluating the project.
In this sentence, “for the purpose of” introduces the purpose of forming the committee, which is to evaluate the project. The phrase following “for the purpose of” is a gerund phrase.
Subtle Differences and Usage Tips
While all the conjunctions mentioned above serve the same general purpose of expressing why something is happening, there are subtle differences in their usage. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate conjunction for your sentences.
Formality
As noted earlier, some conjunctions are more formal than others. “So that” and “in order to” are commonly used in both spoken and written language, making them versatile choices. On the other hand, “in order that,” “so as to,” and “for the purpose of” are more formal and are often found in written language, particularly in academic or official contexts.
Verb Forms
The verb forms following these conjunctions also vary. “So that” and “in order that” are followed by a clause containing a modal verb, while “so as to” and “in order to” are followed by an infinitive verb phrase. “For the purpose of” is followed by a gerund phrase.
Clarity and Emphasis
Choosing the right conjunction can also affect the clarity and emphasis of your sentence. “So that” is often used for general purposes and is easily understood, making it a good choice for everyday communication. “In order to” and “so as to” can add a touch of formality and precision, which may be useful in professional or academic writing. “For the purpose of” provides a strong emphasis on the purpose, making it suitable for legal or official documents.
Examples in Context
To further illustrate the usage of these conjunctions, let’s look at some examples in different contexts.
Everyday Conversation
In casual conversation, “so that” and “in order to” are frequently used.
– I set an alarm so that I wouldn’t oversleep.
– She went to the store in order to buy some groceries.
Professional Communication
In professional settings, “in order to” and “so as to” can add a touch of formality.
– The team worked overtime in order to meet the deadline.
– He adjusted the schedule so as to accommodate everyone’s availability.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, “in order that” and “for the purpose of” can provide clarity and emphasis.
– The experiment was conducted in order that we might better understand the phenomenon.
– The study was designed for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the new treatment.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of conjunctions that express purpose, try the following exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction to express the purpose.
1. She brought a jacket ________ stay warm in the cold weather.
2. They organized a fundraiser ________ raise money for the school.
3. He studied late into the night ________ he could finish his project.
4. The company revised its policies ________ improve customer satisfaction.
5. The meeting was scheduled ________ discussing the upcoming project.
Answers:
1. to
2. to
3. so that
4. in order to
5. for the purpose of
Conclusion
Conjunctions that express purpose are essential tools in the English language. They help clarify the reason or goal behind an action, making your sentences more precise and meaningful. By understanding the nuances of conjunctions like “so that,” “in order that,” “so as to,” “in order to,” and “for the purpose of,” you can enhance your communication skills in both spoken and written English. Practice using these conjunctions in different contexts to become more comfortable and confident in your language abilities.
