In the vast and intricate world of the English language, understanding how different elements work together to form coherent and meaningful sentences is crucial. One such element is the conjunction, a word that connects clauses or sentences to show the relationship between them. Among the various types of conjunctions, *conjunctions of purpose* play a vital role. These conjunctions help to explain why something is done, providing clarity and intent in our communication. In this article, we will delve deep into conjunctions of purpose, exploring their usage, examples, and nuances to help you master this essential aspect of English grammar.
What Are Conjunctions of Purpose?
Conjunctions of purpose are used to show the *reason* or *purpose* behind an action. They answer the question “Why?” and are often followed by a clause that explains the intended outcome. Common conjunctions of purpose include “so that,” “in order to,” “for the purpose of,” and “so as to.” Each of these conjunctions has its own specific use and context, which we will explore in detail.
“So That”
The conjunction “so that” is perhaps the most commonly used conjunction of purpose. It introduces a clause that explains the aim or goal of the action mentioned in the main clause. This conjunction is often followed by a *modal verb* such as “can,” “could,” “may,” or “might.”
**Examples:**
1. She studies hard *so that* she can get good grades.
2. I brought an umbrella *so that* I wouldn’t get wet.
3. He saved money *so that* he could buy a car.
In these sentences, the purpose of the action in the main clause is explained by the clause introduced by “so that.” Notice how the modal verbs “can,” “could,” and “would” indicate the intended outcome.
“In Order To”
“In order to” is another conjunction of purpose that is used to indicate the reason for an action. It is typically followed by an *infinitive verb* (the base form of the verb preceded by “to”).
**Examples:**
1. She studies hard *in order to* get good grades.
2. I brought an umbrella *in order to* avoid getting wet.
3. He saved money *in order to* buy a car.
“In order to” can often be shortened to just “to” in informal contexts without changing the meaning.
**Examples:**
1. She studies hard *to* get good grades.
2. I brought an umbrella *to* avoid getting wet.
3. He saved money *to* buy a car.
While the shorter form is more common in everyday speech, using “in order to” can add a touch of formality and clarity to your writing.
“For the Purpose of”
“For the purpose of” is a more formal conjunction of purpose that is often used in academic or professional writing. It is usually followed by a *gerund* (the -ing form of a verb).
**Examples:**
1. The experiment was conducted *for the purpose of* understanding the effects of the drug.
2. The meeting was scheduled *for the purpose of* discussing the new project.
3. The policy was implemented *for the purpose of* improving employee satisfaction.
This conjunction adds a level of formality and specificity to the sentence, making it clear that the action was taken with a specific goal in mind.
“So As To”
“So as to” is another conjunction of purpose that is similar to “in order to.” It is also followed by an *infinitive verb* and is used to indicate the reason for an action.
**Examples:**
1. She studies hard *so as to* get good grades.
2. I brought an umbrella *so as to* avoid getting wet.
3. He saved money *so as to* buy a car.
“So as to” is slightly more formal than “in order to” and can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.
Subtle Differences and Usage Tips
While these conjunctions of purpose are often interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the right conjunction for your context.
Formality
As mentioned earlier, “for the purpose of” and “so as to” are more formal than “so that” and “in order to.” Use them in formal writing, such as academic papers, reports, or professional emails, to convey a sense of precision and formality.
Clarity
“In order to” and “so that” are generally more explicit in indicating purpose, making them suitable for contexts where clarity is paramount. “To” and “so as to” can sometimes be less clear, especially in complex sentences, so use them judiciously.
Verb Forms
Pay attention to the verb forms that follow these conjunctions. “In order to” and “so as to” are followed by infinitive verbs, while “for the purpose of” is followed by gerunds. “So that” is followed by a clause that typically includes a modal verb.
**Examples:**
1. She works late *so that* she can finish the project. (Clause with modal verb)
2. She works late *in order to* finish the project. (Infinitive verb)
3. She works late *for the purpose of* finishing the project. (Gerund)
4. She works late *so as to* finish the project. (Infinitive verb)
Redundancy
Be mindful of redundancy when using conjunctions of purpose. Avoid using them unnecessarily or combining them with other conjunctions that serve the same purpose.
**Incorrect:**
1. She works late *so that* she can finish the project *in order to* meet the deadline.
**Correct:**
1. She works late *so that* she can finish the project.
2. She works late *in order to* meet the deadline.
Practice and Application
To master conjunctions of purpose, it’s important to practice using them in different contexts. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
**Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences**
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction of purpose.
1. He took a day off work _______ he could spend time with his family.
2. She studied all night _______ pass the exam.
3. The company implemented new policies _______ improving productivity.
4. They moved to a new city _______ start fresh.
5. He saved money _______ buy a new computer.
**Answers:**
1. *so that*
2. *in order to*
3. *for the purpose of*
4. *so as to*
5. *to*
**Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences**
Rewrite the following sentences using a different conjunction of purpose.
1. She exercises regularly so that she can stay healthy.
2. He reads books in order to improve his vocabulary.
3. The team met for the purpose of brainstorming new ideas.
4. She saved money so as to buy a car.
5. He took a cooking class so that he could learn to make sushi.
**Answers:**
1. She exercises regularly *in order to* stay healthy.
2. He reads books *so as to* improve his vocabulary.
3. The team met *so that* they could brainstorm new ideas.
4. She saved money *to* buy a car.
5. He took a cooking class *in order to* learn to make sushi.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even advanced learners can make mistakes when using conjunctions of purpose. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Incorrect Verb Forms
Ensure that the verb forms following the conjunctions are correct. For example, “in order to” and “so as to” should always be followed by an infinitive verb, while “for the purpose of” should be followed by a gerund.
**Incorrect:**
1. She works late *in order to* finishing the project.
**Correct:**
1. She works late *in order to* finish the project.
Redundancy
Avoid using multiple conjunctions of purpose in the same sentence or combining them with other redundant phrases.
**Incorrect:**
1. He studies hard *so that* he can pass the exam *in order to* get a good job.
**Correct:**
1. He studies hard *so that* he can pass the exam.
Misplaced Conjunctions
Place the conjunction of purpose in the correct part of the sentence to ensure clarity and coherence.
**Incorrect:**
1. She bought a new laptop *so that* her old one was broken.
**Correct:**
1. She bought a new laptop *because* her old one was broken.
2. She bought a new laptop *so that* she could work more efficiently.
Conclusion
Conjunctions of purpose are essential tools in the English language that help to clearly express the reason or intent behind an action. By understanding and correctly using conjunctions such as “so that,” “in order to,” “for the purpose of,” and “so as to,” you can add clarity and precision to your communication. Remember to consider formality, clarity, and verb forms when choosing the appropriate conjunction, and practice regularly to master their usage. With time and effort, you will become proficient in using conjunctions of purpose, enhancing both your written and spoken English skills.
