Alternatives to “In Order To”: A Comprehensive Guide
Mastering English requires a diverse vocabulary and an understanding of how to express the same idea in different ways. One common phrase that learners often rely on is “in order to,” used to express purpose.
While grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive and uninspired. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of various alternatives to “in order to,” allowing you to enhance your writing style, improve clarity, and achieve a more sophisticated command of the English language.
This guide is beneficial for English language learners, students, and professionals seeking to refine their communication skills.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a business proposal, or simply aiming to improve your everyday conversation, understanding these alternatives will significantly enrich your linguistic toolkit.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “In Order To”
- Structural Breakdown of “In Order To”
- Alternatives to “In Order To”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “In Order To”
The phrase “in order to” is a prepositional phrase that introduces an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action.
Grammatically, it functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the main clause by explaining why the action is performed. In essence, it answers the question “Why?” or “For what purpose?” regarding the action described in the sentence.
The phrase is generally considered more formal than the simple “to” infinitive. While it’s perfectly acceptable in formal writing and speech, it can sometimes sound overly verbose in casual contexts.
The key is to use it judiciously, choosing the most appropriate alternative based on the tone and context of your communication.
For instance, consider these two sentences:
- “I went to the store in order to buy milk.” (More formal)
- “I went to the store to buy milk.” (More common and slightly less formal)
Structural Breakdown of “In Order To”
The structure of “in order to” is relatively straightforward. It consists of the preposition “in,” the noun “order,” and the preposition “to,” followed by the base form of a verb (the infinitive).
The entire phrase acts as a unit, introducing the purpose clause.
The basic pattern is:
Main Clause + in order to + Base Form of Verb
For example:
- “She studied hard in order to pass the exam.”
- “They saved money in order to buy a house.”
- “He exercised regularly in order to improve his health.”
The phrase “in order to” can sometimes be separated by adverbs or other modifying words, although this is less common and can sometimes sound awkward. It is generally better to keep the phrase intact for clarity and flow.
Alternatives to “In Order To”
There are several ways to express purpose without using “in order to.” Each alternative carries slightly different nuances in meaning and formality. Choosing the right alternative can significantly improve the clarity and impact of your writing.
To + Infinitive
The simplest and most common alternative is the “to” infinitive. This is often the most direct and concise way to express purpose.
It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
- “I went to the library to study.” (Instead of: “I went to the library in order to study.”)
So That
“So that” introduces a clause of purpose, often emphasizing the result or consequence of the action. It is followed by a subject and a verb, forming a complete clause.
It often implies a stronger sense of intention than the simple “to” infinitive.
Example:
- “She saved money so that she could travel the world.” (Instead of: “She saved money in order to travel the world.”)
In Order That
“In order that” is a more formal version of “so that.” It also introduces a clause of purpose and is followed by a subject and a verb. It is typically used in formal writing and speech.
Example:
- “He wrote down the instructions in order that he wouldn’t forget them.” (Instead of: “He wrote down the instructions in order to not forget them.”)
For
“For” can be used to express purpose when followed by a noun. It indicates the reason or purpose for something.
Example:
- “This tool is for cutting wood.” (Instead of: “This tool is in order to cut wood.”)
With the Aim Of
“With the aim of” is a more formal and emphatic way to express purpose. It is typically followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).
Example:
- “She volunteered with the aim of helping others.” (Instead of: “She volunteered in order to help others.”)
With a View To
“With a view to” is similar to “with the aim of” and is also followed by a gerund. It expresses the intention or purpose behind an action, often with a focus on a future outcome.
Example:
- “They invested in the company with a view to expanding their business.” (Instead of: “They invested in the company in order to expand their business.”)
So As To
“So as to” is a more formal alternative to “to” infinitive, expressing purpose. It’s often used to emphasize the intention behind an action, but it can sometimes sound a bit stilted if overused.
Example:
- “He arrived early so as to secure a good seat.” (Instead of: “He arrived early in order to secure a good seat.”)
Lest
“Lest” introduces a clause expressing the purpose of avoiding something undesirable. It is a rather formal and somewhat archaic alternative, often found in older texts or formal writing.
Example:
- “He hid the evidence lest he be accused of the crime.” (Instead of: “He hid the evidence in order to avoid being accused of the crime.”)
Because
While primarily used to indicate cause, “because” can sometimes imply purpose, especially when the context makes the intention clear.
Example:
- “I studied hard because I wanted to pass the exam.” (Implies: I studied hard in order to pass the exam.)
Since
Similar to “because,” “since” can also imply purpose depending on the context. It often suggests a reason or motivation behind an action.
Example:
- “She started exercising since she wanted to improve her health.” (Implies: She started exercising in order to improve her health.)
As
In certain contexts, “as” can also indicate purpose, particularly when it introduces a clause explaining the reason for an action.
Example:
- “He worked overtime as he needed to earn more money.” (Implies: He worked overtime in order to earn more money.)
Examples
To illustrate the various alternatives to “in order to,” here are several examples organized by category. These examples will help you understand the nuances of each alternative and how to use them effectively in your writing and speech.
“To + Infinitive” Examples
The “to” infinitive is a versatile and widely used alternative. The following table provides numerous examples showcasing its application in various contexts.
| Original Sentence (with “in order to”) | Revised Sentence (with “to”) |
|---|---|
| She went to the store in order to buy groceries. | She went to the store to buy groceries. |
| He studied diligently in order to pass the exam. | He studied diligently to pass the exam. |
| They saved money in order to buy a house. | They saved money to buy a house. |
| I woke up early in order to catch the train. | I woke up early to catch the train. |
| We exercised regularly in order to stay healthy. | We exercised regularly to stay healthy. |
| The company invested in research in order to develop new products. | The company invested in research to develop new products. |
| The chef used fresh ingredients in order to create a delicious meal. | The chef used fresh ingredients to create a delicious meal. |
| The teacher explained the concept clearly in order to help the students understand. | The teacher explained the concept clearly to help the students understand. |
| The athlete trained hard in order to win the competition. | The athlete trained hard to win the competition. |
| The musician practiced every day in order to perfect his skills. | The musician practiced every day to perfect his skills. |
| The programmer wrote the code carefully in order to avoid errors. | The programmer wrote the code carefully to avoid errors. |
| The artist used vibrant colors in order to create a striking painting. | The artist used vibrant colors to create a striking painting. |
| The writer revised the manuscript in order to improve the clarity. | The writer revised the manuscript to improve the clarity. |
| The architect designed the building sustainably in order to reduce environmental impact. | The architect designed the building sustainably to reduce environmental impact. |
| The doctor prescribed the medication in order to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. | The doctor prescribed the medication to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. |
| The lawyer presented the evidence persuasively in order to win the case. | The lawyer presented the evidence persuasively to win the case. |
| The politician campaigned tirelessly in order to gain support. | The politician campaigned tirelessly to gain support. |
| The scientist conducted the experiment meticulously in order to obtain accurate results. | The scientist conducted the experiment meticulously to obtain accurate results. |
| The engineer built the bridge strongly in order to withstand heavy loads. | The engineer built the bridge strongly to withstand heavy loads. |
| The farmer watered the crops regularly in order to ensure a good harvest. | The farmer watered the crops regularly to ensure a good harvest. |
| I turned on the heater in order to warm the room. | I turned on the heater to warm the room. |
| She wore a coat in order to keep warm. | She wore a coat to keep warm. |
| He whispered in order to avoid waking the baby. | He whispered to avoid waking the baby. |
“So That” Examples
“So that” is useful for emphasizing the intended outcome or consequence. Below you’ll find examples that illustrate its use.
| Original Sentence (with “in order to”) | Revised Sentence (with “so that”) |
|---|---|
| She studied hard in order to she could get good grades. | She studied hard so that she could get good grades. |
| He saved money in order to he could buy a car. | He saved money so that he could buy a car. |
| They practiced diligently in order to they could win the competition. | They practiced diligently so that they could win the competition. |
| I arrived early in order to I could get a good seat. | I arrived early so that I could get a good seat. |
| We left early in order to we wouldn’t be late. | We left early so that we wouldn’t be late. |
| The company invested in marketing in order to they could increase sales. | The company invested in marketing so that they could increase sales. |
| The chef prepared the dish carefully in order to it would taste delicious. | The chef prepared the dish carefully so that it would taste delicious. |
| The teacher explained the lesson thoroughly in order to the students would understand. | The teacher explained the lesson thoroughly so that the students would understand. |
| The athlete trained intensely in order to he could improve his performance. | The athlete trained intensely so that he could improve his performance. |
| The musician rehearsed frequently in order to he could perfect his performance. | The musician rehearsed frequently so that he could perfect his performance. |
| The programmer tested the code rigorously in order to there wouldn’t be any bugs. | The programmer tested the code rigorously so that there wouldn’t be any bugs. |
| The artist mixed the paints carefully in order to she could create the perfect color. | The artist mixed the paints carefully so that she could create the perfect color. |
| The writer edited the story meticulously in order to it would be flawless. | The writer edited the story meticulously so that it would be flawless. |
| The architect designed the building innovatively in order to it would be energy-efficient. | The architect designed the building innovatively so that it would be energy-efficient. |
| The doctor monitored the patient closely in order to she would recover quickly. | The doctor monitored the patient closely so that she would recover quickly. |
| The lawyer presented the case convincingly in order to they would win the trial. | The lawyer presented the case convincingly so that they would win the trial. |
| The politician debated skillfully in order to he would gain voters’ trust. | The politician debated skillfully so that he would gain voters’ trust. |
| The scientist analyzed the data thoroughly in order to she could draw accurate conclusions. | The scientist analyzed the data thoroughly so that she could draw accurate conclusions. |
| The engineer reinforced the structure strongly in order to it would withstand earthquakes. | The engineer reinforced the structure strongly so that it would withstand earthquakes. |
| The farmer irrigated the fields carefully in order to he would have a bountiful harvest. | The farmer irrigated the fields carefully so that he would have a bountiful harvest. |
| I wore a hat in order to I wouldn’t get sunburned. | I wore a hat so that I wouldn’t get sunburned. |
| She spoke slowly in order to everyone could understand her. | She spoke slowly so that everyone could understand her. |
| He locked the door in order to no one could enter without permission. | He locked the door so that no one could enter without permission. |
“In Order That” Examples
“In order that” is a more formal version of “so that,” suitable for formal writing. The following table illustrates its usage.
| Original Sentence (with “in order to”) | Revised Sentence (with “in order that”) |
|---|---|
| She studied hard in order to she might succeed. | She studied hard in order that she might succeed. |
| He saved money in order to he could retire early. | He saved money in order that he could retire early. |
| They prepared thoroughly in order to they would be ready for any challenge. | They prepared thoroughly in order that they would be ready for any challenge. |
| I arrived early in order to I could secure a good spot. | I arrived early in order that I could secure a good spot. |
| We planned meticulously in order to we would avoid any mistakes. | We planned meticulously in order that we would avoid any mistakes. |
| The company invested heavily in research in order to they might discover new technologies. | The company invested heavily in research in order that they might discover new technologies. |
| The chef seasoned the dish carefully in order to it would appeal to all palates. | The chef seasoned the dish carefully in order that it would appeal to all palates. |
| The teacher structured the lesson clearly in order to the students would grasp the concepts easily. | The teacher structured the lesson clearly in order that the students would grasp the concepts easily. |
| The athlete followed a strict regimen in order to he would reach peak performance. | The athlete followed a strict regimen in order that he would reach peak performance. |
| The musician practiced diligently in order to he might perfect his technique. | The musician practiced diligently in order that he might perfect his technique. |
| The programmer debugged the code meticulously in order to there would be no errors. | The programmer debugged the code meticulously in order that there would be no errors. |
| The artist chose the colors thoughtfully in order to she might create a masterpiece. | The artist chose the colors thoughtfully in order that she might create a masterpiece. |
| The writer revised the manuscript carefully in order to it would be free of errors. | The writer revised the manuscript carefully in order that it would be free of errors. |
| The architect designed the building sustainably in order to it would minimize its environmental impact. | The architect designed the building sustainably in order that it would minimize its environmental impact. |
| The doctor monitored the patient’s condition closely in order to she might detect any complications early. | The doctor monitored the patient’s condition closely in order that she might detect any complications early. |
| The lawyer presented the evidence persuasively in order to they would win the case. | The lawyer presented the evidence persuasively in order that they would win the case. |
| The politician campaigned tirelessly in order to he would secure the election. | The politician campaigned tirelessly in order that he would secure the election. |
| The scientist conducted the experiment rigorously in order to she might obtain reliable results. | The scientist conducted the experiment rigorously in order that she might obtain reliable results. |
| The engineer reinforced the structure carefully in order to it would withstand any stress. | The engineer reinforced the structure carefully in order that it would withstand any stress. |
| The farmer irrigated the fields regularly in order to he would ensure a bountiful harvest. | The farmer irrigated the fields regularly in order that he would ensure a bountiful harvest. |
| I brought an umbrella in order to I wouldn’t get wet. | I brought an umbrella in order that I wouldn’t get wet. |
| She spoke clearly in order to everyone could understand. | She spoke clearly in order that everyone could understand. |
| He locked the valuables in order to they would be safe. | He locked the valuables in order that they would be safe. |
“For” Examples
“For” followed by a noun can effectively express purpose. Here are some examples of how to use it.
| Original Sentence (with “in order to”) | Revised Sentence (with “for”) |
|---|---|
| This knife is in order to cutting bread. | This knife is for cutting bread. |
| This medicine is in order to relieving pain. | This medicine is for relieving pain. |
| This room is in order to storage. | This room is for storage. |
| This tool is in order to gardening. | This tool is for gardening. |
| This course is in order to beginners. | This course is for beginners. |
| This software is in order to data analysis. | This software is for data analysis. |
| This machine is in order to mass production. | This machine is for mass production. |
| This book is in order to advanced learners. | This book is for advanced learners. |
| This app is in order to communication. | This app is for communication. |
| This equipment is in order to scientific research. | This equipment is for scientific research. |
| This car is in order to long-distance travel. | This car is for long-distance travel. |
| This website is in order to information sharing. | This website is for information sharing. |
| This workshop is in order to skill development. | This workshop is for skill development. |
| This seminar is in order to professional networking. | This seminar is for professional networking. |
| This campaign is in order to raising awareness. | This campaign is for raising awareness. |
| This project is in order to environmental conservation. | This project is for environmental conservation. |
| This program is in order to community development. | This program is for community development. |
| This initiative is in order to social change. | This initiative is for social change. |
| This fund is in order to supporting education. | This fund is for supporting education. |
| This grant is in order to funding research. | This grant is for funding research. |
| This area is in order to parking. | This area is for parking. |
| This section is in order to reference materials. | This section is for reference materials. |
| This container is in order to storage of food. | This container is for storage of food. |
“With the Aim Of” Examples
“With the aim of” adds a formal and emphatic tone to express purpose. Here are some examples of its use, followed by a gerund.
| Original Sentence (with “in order to”) | Revised Sentence (with “with the aim of”) |
|---|---|
| She volunteered in order to helping the needy. | She volunteered with the aim of helping the needy. |
| He studied hard in order to achieving his goals. | He studied hard with the aim of achieving his goals. |
| They invested in education in order to improving their skills. | They invested in education with the aim of improving their skills. |
| I exercised regularly in order to maintaining my health. | I exercised regularly with the aim of maintaining my health. |
| We saved money in order to securing our future. | We saved money with the aim of securing our future. |
| The company launched a new campaign in order to increasing brand awareness. | The company launched a new campaign with the aim of increasing brand awareness. |
| The chef experimented with new recipes in order to creating unique dishes. | The chef experimented with new recipes with the aim of creating unique dishes. |
| The teacher used innovative methods in order to engaging the students. | The teacher used innovative methods with the aim of engaging the students. |
| The athlete trained intensely in order to maximizing performance. | The athlete trained intensely with the aim of maximizing performance. |
| The musician practiced constantly in order to perfecting his technique. | The musician practiced constantly with the aim of perfecting his technique. |
| The programmer debugged the code rigorously in order to eliminating errors. | The programmer debugged the code rigorously with the aim of eliminating errors. |
| The artist used various techniques in order to enhancing the visual appeal. | The artist used various techniques with the aim of enhancing the visual appeal. |
| The writer revised the manuscript thoroughly in order to improving the narrative flow. | The writer revised the manuscript thoroughly with the aim of improving the narrative flow. |
| The architect designed the building sustainably in order to reducing environmental impact. | The architect designed the building sustainably with the aim of reducing environmental impact. |
| The doctor monitored the patient closely in order to ensuring a speedy recovery. | The doctor monitored the patient closely with the aim of ensuring a speedy recovery. |
| The lawyer presented the case convincingly in order to winning the trial. | The lawyer presented the case convincingly with the aim of winning the trial. |
| The politician campaigned tirelessly in order to gaining public support. | The politician campaigned tirelessly with the aim of gaining public support. |
| The scientist conducted the experiment meticulously in order to obtaining accurate results. | The scientist conducted the experiment meticulously with the aim of obtaining accurate results. |
| The engineer reinforced the structure strongly in order to ensuring stability. | The engineer reinforced the structure strongly with the aim of ensuring stability. |
| The farmer irrigated the fields regularly in order to promoting healthy growth. | The farmer irrigated the fields regularly with the aim of promoting healthy growth. |
| I wore warm clothes in order to preventing illness. | I wore warm clothes with the aim of preventing illness. |
| She spoke clearly in order to facilitating understanding. | She spoke clearly with the aim of facilitating understanding. |
| He saved his money in order to buying a new car. | He saved his money with the aim of buying a new car. |
Usage Rules
While the alternatives to “in order to” offer flexibility, it’s important to adhere to specific usage rules to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.
- “To” Infinitive: Use the base form of the verb after “to.” Avoid using “to” with another preposition or conjunction.
- “So That” and “In Order That”: Ensure that these phrases are followed by a complete clause (subject + verb). The verb in the “so that” or “in order that” clause often includes a modal verb such as “can,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “may,” or “might.”
- “For”: Follow “for” with a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing).
- “With the Aim Of” and “With a View To”: These phrases must be followed by a gerund.
- “Lest”: This is a formal construction. The verb following “lest” is often in the subjunctive mood (e.g., “lest he be”).
- When using “because”, “since”, and “as” to imply purpose, ensure the context clearly indicates the intention behind the action.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make common mistakes when using alternatives to “in order to.” Recognizing and avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your writing.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She studied hard for to pass the exam. | She studied hard to pass the exam. | Avoid using “for to” together. Use the “to” infinitive directly. |
| He saved money so that to buy a car. | He saved money so that he could buy a car. | “So that” must be followed by a complete clause (subject + verb). |
| They practiced with the aim to win. | They practiced with the aim of winning. | “With the aim of” must be followed by a gerund (-ing form of the verb). |
| I arrived early in order that to get a good seat. | I arrived early in order that I might get a good seat. | “In order that” must be followed by a complete clause, often with a modal verb. |
| She wore a coat for keep warm. | She wore a coat for keeping warm. | “For” should be followed by a noun or a gerund. |
| He worked hard lest to fail. | He worked hard lest he should fail. | After “lest”, the subjunctive mood is often used. |
| I went to the library for study. | I went to the library for studying. | “For” should be followed by a noun or gerund when expressing purpose. |
| She saved money with a view to buy a house. | She saved money with a view to buying a house. | “With a view to” must be followed by a gerund. |
| He studied hard so as he can pass the exam. | He studied hard so as to pass the exam. | “So as to” should be followed by the base form of the verb. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Rewrite each sentence using the alternative indicated in parentheses.
Answers are provided below.
| Question | Alternative |
|---|---|
| She exercised regularly in order to stay fit. | To + Infinitive |
| He saved money in order to he could travel the world. | So That |
| They studied diligently in order to they would pass the exam. | In Order That |
| This tool is in order to cutting wood. | For |
| She volunteered in order to helping others. |
With the Aim Of |
| They invested in the company in order to expanding their business. | With a View To |
| He arrived early in order to secure a good seat. | So As To |
| He hid the evidence in order to avoid being accused of the crime. | Lest |
| I studied hard in order to pass the exam. | Because |
| She started exercising in order to improve her health. | Since |
| He worked overtime in order to earn more money. | As |
Answers:
- She exercised regularly to stay fit.
- He saved money so that he could travel the world.
- They studied diligently in order that they would pass the exam.
- This tool is for cutting wood.
- She volunteered with the aim of helping others.
- They invested in the company with a view to expanding their business.
- He arrived early so as to secure a good seat.
- He hid the evidence lest he be accused of the crime.
- I studied hard because I wanted to pass the exam.
- She started exercising since she wanted to improve her health.
- He worked overtime as he needed to earn more money.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of these alternatives can further refine their writing and communication skills.
- Subjunctive Mood: The subjunctive mood is often used after “lest” to express a hypothetical or desired outcome.
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: Certain alternatives, like “in order that” and “with the aim of,” are more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing, while others, like “to” and “so that,” are appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
- Emphasis: Different alternatives can emphasize different aspects of the purpose. “So that” and “in order that” often emphasize the result, while “with the aim of” emphasizes the intention.
FAQ
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “in order to” is a valuable skill for anyone seeking to improve their English language proficiency. By understanding the nuances of each alternative and practicing their usage, you can enhance the clarity, sophistication, and impact of your writing and speech.
Embrace these alternatives to express purpose more effectively and communicate with greater confidence.