GV

Purpose Clauses (so that / in order to)

Expressing purpose with so that / in order to

intermediate

When to Use Purpose Clauses (so that / in order to)

  • •so that + clause to show intended result: I left early so that I could catch the bus.
  • •in order to / to + base verb for purpose: I left early to catch the bus.
  • •Formal purpose: in order that (less common).
  • •Use modal verbs after so that for ability/permission: so that we can/may.
  • •Negative purpose: so that ... won't/don't; to avoid ...

How to Form Purpose Clauses (so that / in order to)

Affirmative (+)

Main clause + so that + subject + modal/base clause; or main clause + to/in order to + base verb

Negative (-)

so that + subject + won't/don't + base; to avoid + noun/verb-ing

Question (?)

Why did ...? → to/so that ...

💡 Use so that for subject + verb; use to/in order to before base verb. In order to is more formal.

Examples of Purpose Clauses (so that / in order to)

✓She whispered so that she wouldn't wake the baby.

✗She whispered so that to not wake the baby.

Use so that + subject + wouldn't.

✓I stayed to finish the report.

✗I stayed for finish the report.

Use to + base verb for purpose.

✓We left early in order to get seats.

✗We left early in order get seats.

Include to after in order.

Common Mistakes with Purpose Clauses (so that / in order to)

💡 Practice Tips for Purpose Clauses (so that / in order to)

  • • Purpose with to/in order to + base verb for same subject.
  • • Use so that + subject + modal for clarity, especially with different subjects.
  • • Negative purpose: so that + subject + won't/doesn't; to avoid + noun/verb-ing.
  • • In order to is more formal; plain to is fine in most cases.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.I left early   catch the bus.
  2. 2.She whispered so that she   wake the baby.
  3. Question 3: We left early blank ___ ___ get good seats. (formal, 3 words)
    3.We left early ___ ___ get good seats. (formal, 3 words)
  4. Question 4: He studies hard so that he blank (can) pass the exam.
    4.He studies hard so that he (can) pass the exam.
  5. Question 5: Rewrite using 'to': She spoke quietly so that she could explain the problem. → She spoke quietly blank ___ the problem.
    5.Rewrite using 'to': She spoke quietly so that she could explain the problem. → She spoke quietly ___ the problem.
  6. Question 6: I wrote it down blank (purpose: not forget — use 'to avoid')
    6.I wrote it down (purpose: not forget — use 'to avoid')
  7. Question 7: Fix the error: He works two jobs so that pay the rent. → He works two jobs so that blank ___ pay the rent.
    7.Fix the error: He works two jobs so that pay the rent. → He works two jobs so that ___ pay the rent.
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