When learning a new language, one of the essential skills to master is how to express purpose. Conjunctions play a crucial role in connecting clauses and sentences, providing clarity and meaning. In this article, we will explore various conjunctions that are used to express purpose in English. Understanding and using these conjunctions effectively can significantly enhance your communication skills and help you convey your intentions more clearly.
Understanding Conjunctions for Purpose
Conjunctions are words used to link clauses, sentences, or words. They are integral to constructing complex sentences, allowing you to express more detailed thoughts and ideas. When it comes to expressing purpose, certain conjunctions are particularly useful. These conjunctions help to explain why something is done or the reason behind an action.
Common Conjunctions to Express Purpose
Several conjunctions are commonly used to express purpose in English. Some of the most frequently used ones include:
1. **So that**
2. **In order that**
3. **In order to**
4. **So as to**
5. **For the purpose of**
Let’s delve into each of these conjunctions in more detail to understand their usage and nuances.
So that
The conjunction **so that** is used to indicate purpose or intention. It connects a main clause with a subordinate clause, explaining why the action in the main clause is performed.
Example:
– She studied hard **so that** she could pass the exam.
In this sentence, the purpose of studying hard is to pass the exam. The conjunction **so that** clearly links the two ideas, making the purpose evident.
Another example:
– He saved money **so that** he could buy a new car.
Here, the action of saving money is done with the intention of buying a new car. The conjunction **so that** effectively communicates this purpose.
In order that
Similar to **so that**, the conjunction **in order that** is used to express purpose. It is often considered more formal and is commonly used in written English.
Example:
– They took a map **in order that** they wouldn’t get lost.
In this sentence, the purpose of taking a map is to avoid getting lost. The conjunction **in order that** clearly indicates this intention.
Another example:
– She left early **in order that** she could catch the first train.
Here, the action of leaving early is done with the purpose of catching the first train. The conjunction **in order that** makes this purpose explicit.
In order to
The conjunction **in order to** is used to express the purpose of an action. It is followed by a verb in its base form (infinitive). This conjunction is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
– He exercises regularly **in order to** stay healthy.
In this sentence, the purpose of exercising regularly is to stay healthy. The conjunction **in order to** clearly indicates this intention.
Another example:
– She studied all night **in order to** finish her project on time.
Here, the action of studying all night is done with the purpose of finishing the project on time. The conjunction **in order to** effectively communicates this purpose.
So as to
The conjunction **so as to** is another way to express purpose. It is similar to **in order to** and is often used in more formal contexts.
Example:
– He spoke softly **so as to** not wake the baby.
In this sentence, the purpose of speaking softly is to avoid waking the baby. The conjunction **so as to** clearly indicates this intention.
Another example:
– She wore a coat **so as to** stay warm in the cold weather.
Here, the action of wearing a coat is done with the purpose of staying warm. The conjunction **so as to** effectively communicates this purpose.
For the purpose of
The conjunction **for the purpose of** is used to express a specific goal or intention. It is often followed by a noun or gerund (verb + ing).
Example:
– He attended the workshop **for the purpose of** learning new skills.
In this sentence, the purpose of attending the workshop is to learn new skills. The conjunction **for the purpose of** clearly indicates this intention.
Another example:
– They organized the event **for the purpose of** raising funds for charity.
Here, the action of organizing the event is done with the purpose of raising funds for charity. The conjunction **for the purpose of** effectively communicates this purpose.
Combining Conjunctions for Purpose
In some cases, you may need to combine conjunctions to express more complex purposes. This can help provide additional clarity and detail to your sentences.
Example:
– She saved money **so that** she could buy a new car **in order to** commute to work more easily.
In this sentence, the conjunction **so that** indicates the immediate purpose of buying a new car, while **in order to** explains the broader purpose of commuting to work more easily.
Another example:
– He studied hard **in order that** he could pass the exam **for the purpose of** getting a scholarship.
Here, the conjunction **in order that** indicates the immediate purpose of passing the exam, while **for the purpose of** explains the broader goal of getting a scholarship.
Exercises to Practice Conjunctions for Purpose
To reinforce your understanding of conjunctions that express purpose, it’s essential to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
1. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate conjunction to express purpose:
a. She set an alarm ______ she wouldn’t oversleep.
b. They hired a tutor ______ improve their math skills.
c. He moved to the city ______ find better job opportunities.
d. She took notes during the lecture ______ review them later.
2. Rewrite the following sentences to include a conjunction that expresses purpose:
a. He bought a new suit. He wanted to look professional for the interview.
b. She saved money. She wanted to travel abroad.
c. They built a fence. They wanted to keep the dogs in the yard.
d. He practiced every day. He wanted to improve his piano skills.
3. Combine the following sentences using conjunctions for purpose:
a. She studied hard. She wanted to pass the exam. She wanted to get a scholarship.
b. He exercised regularly. He wanted to stay healthy. He wanted to participate in a marathon.
c. They organized a charity event. They wanted to raise funds. They wanted to support the local community.
d. She attended the conference. She wanted to network with professionals. She wanted to find new job opportunities.
Answers to Exercises
1. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate conjunction to express purpose:
a. She set an alarm **so that** she wouldn’t oversleep.
b. They hired a tutor **to** improve their math skills.
c. He moved to the city **in order to** find better job opportunities.
d. She took notes during the lecture **so that** she could review them later.
2. Rewrite the following sentences to include a conjunction that expresses purpose:
a. He bought a new suit **so as to** look professional for the interview.
b. She saved money **in order to** travel abroad.
c. They built a fence **so that** they could keep the dogs in the yard.
d. He practiced every day **to** improve his piano skills.
3. Combine the following sentences using conjunctions for purpose:
a. She studied hard **so that** she could pass the exam **in order to** get a scholarship.
b. He exercised regularly **so as to** stay healthy **to** participate in a marathon.
c. They organized a charity event **so that** they could raise funds **for the purpose of** supporting the local community.
d. She attended the conference **in order to** network with professionals **so as to** find new job opportunities.
Conclusion
Mastering conjunctions to express purpose is essential for effective communication in English. These conjunctions help you convey your intentions clearly and provide a logical flow to your sentences. By understanding and practicing the use of conjunctions such as **so that**, **in order that**, **in order to**, **so as to**, and **for the purpose of**, you can enhance your language skills and express your thoughts more precisely.
Remember to practice using these conjunctions in various contexts and sentences to reinforce your understanding. With consistent practice, you’ll become more confident in using conjunctions to express purpose, making your communication more effective and engaging. Happy learning!
