Expressing Purpose: So That / In Order To

I left early so that I wouldn’t miss the train.

Notice

  • I left early so that I wouldn’t miss the train.
  • She studies every night in order to pass the exam.
  • They installed cameras so that the building would be more secure.
  • He whispered in order not to wake the baby.

Rule

In order to / to + base verb express purpose when the subject is the same in both clauses. So that + subject + verb (often with can/could/will/would) is used especially when the subjects are different, or for more formal/written style. Negative purpose: in order not to or so that…wouldn’t.

Practice

  1. Complete: ‘She spoke slowly _____ everyone could understand.’ (so that)
    Answer: so that
  2. Complete: ‘He saved money _____ buy a new car.’ (in order to)
    Answer: in order to
  3. Combine: ‘I locked the door. I wanted to keep the house safe.’
    Answer: I locked the door so that I could keep the house safe. / I locked the door in order to keep the house safe.
  4. Correct the error: ‘I left early for not miss the bus.’
    Answer: I left early so as not to miss the bus. / I left early in order not to miss the bus.

Connect

Practise building purpose clauses accurately.

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CEFR: Writing — write clear, connected text explaining purpose and intention.

Azizul Hakim
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