Expressing Purpose

Expressing Purpose

English has various ways of expressing purpose. We can use so that or in order to; sometimes we can simply use the verb infinitive.

_ Purpose with to, in order to, so as to and for.

a.- In order to + infinitive. To + infinitive. In order that + full sentence.

- They studied very hard in order to pass their English exam.

- They studied very hard in order not to fail their English exam.

- John visited Liverpool in order that he could see his British friend.

- He is looking for a part time job to save some pocket money.

b.- So as to + infinitive.

- They studied very hard so as to pass their French exam.

- They studied very hard so as not to fail their French exam.

c.-For + ing.

- A knife is used for cutting.

Use so as not to and in order not to to express purpose in the negative form.

_ Purpose with so that

You can also express purpose with so that. In this case you generally need to use a modal.

Examples:

- She told him to play quiet so that he wouldn't disturb the neighbors.

- He got a visa so that he can travel to the USA.

- He decided to stay in England for a while so that he could practice his English.