Purpose Connectors helps you communicate about goals, intended outcomes and prevention. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can express purpose using infinitive and clause-based connectors.
- Recognise and build the form: to/in order to/so as to + base; so that/in order that + clause.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Purpose Connectors for goals, intended outcomes and prevention. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
I called to confirm the appointment.
Use a to-infinitive to state the purpose of the call.
She left early in order to avoid traffic.
The fixed pattern is 'in order to + base verb'.
Speak slowly so that everyone can understand.
Use 'so that + clause' when the purpose has its own subject.
to/in order to/so as to + base; so that/in order that + clauseKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use a to-infinitive to state the purpose of the call.
- The fixed pattern is 'in order to + base verb'.
- Use 'so that + clause' when the purpose has its own subject.
- 'So as to + base verb' expresses purpose.
- Use 'so that + clause' for a negative intended result.
Common mistakes
Not:I called for confirm the appointment.
Use:I called to confirm the appointment.
Use a to-infinitive to state the purpose of the call.
Not:She left early in order for avoid traffic.
Use:She left early in order to avoid traffic.
The fixed pattern is 'in order to + base verb'.
Not:Speak slowly so to everyone can understand.
Use:Speak slowly so that everyone can understand.
Use 'so that + clause' when the purpose has its own subject.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
He saved money ____ buy a new laptop.
so as to
'So as to + base verb' expresses purpose.
We wrote the steps down ____ we wouldn't forget them.
so that
Use 'so that + clause' for a negative intended result.
The team met weekly ____ monitor progress.
in order to
'In order to' formally states the purpose of meeting.