When learning a new language, understanding how to connect ideas effectively is crucial. One significant way to do this is by using conjunctions to express purpose. These conjunctions help articulate the reason behind an action, making your speech and writing more coherent and purposeful. In English, several conjunctions can be used to show purpose, including “so that,” “in order to,” “for,” and “so as to.” This article will delve into these conjunctions, providing examples and explanations to help you master their use.
So That
“So that” is a commonly used conjunction to express purpose. It connects two clauses, indicating that the action in the first clause is performed with the intention of achieving the result in the second clause.
For example:
– I set an alarm so that I wouldn’t miss my flight.
In this sentence, setting an alarm is done with the purpose of not missing the flight.
Usage Tips for “So That”
1. **Verb Tense Consistency**: Ensure the verb tenses in both clauses are logically consistent. Typically, the first clause uses a present or past tense verb, while the second clause often uses a modal verb like “can,” “could,” “will,” or “would.”
– She studies hard so that she can pass her exams.
– He saved money so that he could buy a new car.
2. **Avoid Redundancy**: When using “so that,” avoid repeating information that is already clear from the context.
– Incorrect: I went to the store so that I could buy some groceries.
– Correct: I went to the store to buy some groceries.
In Order To
“In order to” is another conjunction that expresses purpose, often used in more formal contexts. It is followed by the base form of a verb and serves to explain why an action is performed.
For example:
– She moved to the city in order to find a better job.
Here, moving to the city is done with the purpose of finding a better job.
Usage Tips for “In Order To”
1. **Formality**: “In order to” is more formal than “to,” making it suitable for academic writing or professional communication.
– Formal: The company implemented new policies in order to improve employee satisfaction.
– Informal: The company implemented new policies to improve employee satisfaction.
2. **Clarity**: While “in order to” can add clarity, it’s essential not to overuse it. If “to” conveys the purpose clearly, it might be a better choice.
– Overuse: He woke up early in order to catch the bus.
– Better: He woke up early to catch the bus.
For
“For” is a versatile preposition that can also be used to express purpose, particularly when followed by a noun or noun phrase.
For example:
– She bought a gift for her friend’s birthday.
In this sentence, the purpose of buying the gift is for her friend’s birthday.
Usage Tips for “For”
1. **Direct Objects**: “For” is typically used with a direct object, making it clear who or what benefits from the action.
– He saved money for his children’s education.
– We organized a party for her promotion.
2. **Avoid Confusion**: Ensure that “for” is not confused with “because of,” which explains reasons rather than purpose.
– Incorrect: He apologized for he was late. (Reason)
– Correct: He apologized because he was late. (Reason)
– Correct: He apologized for being late. (Purpose)
So As To
“So as to” is a more formal and somewhat less common way to express purpose. It is similar to “in order to” and is followed by the base form of a verb.
For example:
– She left early so as to avoid the traffic.
In this sentence, leaving early is done with the purpose of avoiding traffic.
Usage Tips for “So As To”
1. **Formality and Context**: “So as to” is more formal and can sound stilted in everyday conversation, so it’s best used in written or formal contexts.
– Formal: The organization held a fundraiser so as to support the local community.
– Informal: The organization held a fundraiser to support the local community.
2. **Avoid Overuse**: Similar to “in order to,” “so as to” should not be overused. If “to” conveys the purpose adequately, it might be a simpler and more effective choice.
– Overuse: He whispered so as to not disturb the others.
– Better: He whispered to not disturb the others.
Purpose Clauses with “To” and “In Order To”
While “to” and “in order to” are both used to express purpose, their application can vary slightly based on formality and clarity.
For example:
– She exercises regularly to stay healthy.
– She exercises regularly in order to stay healthy.
Both sentences convey the same purpose, but the second is more formal.
Using “To” for Purpose
1. **Simplicity**: “To” is the simplest and most direct way to express purpose. It is widely used in both spoken and written English.
– She read the instructions to understand the process.
– He called his friend to ask for advice.
2. **Clarity**: While “to” is effective, ensure that the purpose is clear and unambiguous.
– Clear: He studied hard to pass the exam.
– Ambiguous: He studied hard to improve. (What is he improving?)
Using “In Order To” for Purpose
1. **Formality**: As mentioned, “in order to” is more formal and can be used to add emphasis or clarity, particularly in written English.
– Formal: The research was conducted in order to gather accurate data.
– Informal: The research was conducted to gather accurate data.
2. **Emphasis**: “In order to” can add emphasis to the purpose, making the intention more explicit.
– Emphasis: She took a course in order to enhance her skills.
– Simple: She took a course to enhance her skills.
Using Negative Purpose Clauses
Negative purpose clauses express the purpose of preventing something undesirable. They are often introduced by “so that” or “in order not to.”
For example:
– He spoke softly so that he wouldn’t wake the baby.
– She left early in order not to miss her appointment.
Negative Purpose with “So That”
1. **Modal Verbs**: The negative form usually includes a modal verb such as “wouldn’t” or “couldn’t.”
– He avoided the main roads so that he wouldn’t get stuck in traffic.
– She lowered her voice so that she wouldn’t disturb anyone.
2. **Clarity**: Ensure the negative purpose is clear and directly related to the action.
– Clear: He set multiple alarms so that he wouldn’t oversleep.
– Ambiguous: He set multiple alarms so that something bad wouldn’t happen. (What is the bad thing?)
Negative Purpose with “In Order Not To”
1. **Formality**: “In order not to” is more formal and is often used in written English.
– Formal: She studied late into the night in order not to fail the exam.
– Informal: She studied late into the night so that she wouldn’t fail the exam.
2. **Precision**: Using “in order not to” can add precision to the purpose, making it clear and direct.
– Precise: He wore a hat in order not to get sunburned.
– Simple: He wore a hat so that he wouldn’t get sunburned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using conjunctions to express purpose, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to confusion or incorrect usage.
Redundancy
Avoid using redundant phrases that repeat the same information.
– Redundant: She went to the store so that she could buy some groceries.
– Better: She went to the store to buy some groceries.
Incorrect Tense
Ensure that the verb tenses in both clauses are logically consistent.
– Incorrect: He is saving money so that he would buy a new car.
– Correct: He is saving money so that he can buy a new car.
Misusing “For”
“For” should be used with a direct object to indicate purpose, not to explain reasons.
– Incorrect: He apologized for he was late.
– Correct: He apologized because he was late.
– Correct: He apologized for being late.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of using conjunctions to express purpose, try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunctions.
1. She took a day off work ________ rest and recharge.
2. He is studying hard ________ he can get into a good university.
3. They are organizing a charity event ________ raise funds for the local hospital.
4. She whispered ________ not to wake the baby.
5. He checked the schedule ________ he wouldn’t miss the meeting.
Answers:
1. to/in order to
2. so that
3. to/in order to
4. so as
5. so that
Conclusion
Understanding how to use conjunctions to express purpose is a fundamental skill in mastering English. Whether you’re using “so that,” “in order to,” “for,” or “so as to,” each conjunction helps clarify the intention behind an action. By paying attention to formality, clarity, and context, you can effectively use these conjunctions to make your speech and writing more coherent and purposeful. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find that expressing purpose in English becomes second nature.
