main clause + to + base verbUse this when the same person does both actions.
Purpose Clauses
B1Use to, in order to, and so that to say why someone does something. Choose to/in order to for the same subject and so that for a full clause.
What you'll learn
- Use to + verb to show purpose with the same subject.
- Use in order to + verb for a fuller purpose phrase.
- Build so that clauses with a subject and a modal verb.
- Choose the right purpose pattern for same or different subjects.
- Recognize purpose markers like to, in order to, and so that.
Structure
main clause + in order to + base verbThis means the same as to + verb, but sounds fuller.
main clause + so that + subject + can/could/will/would + base verbUse a full clause after so that, especially when the purpose has its own subject.
Build a sentence
Main action
Goal
Maria went to the storetobuymilk
Maria went to the store to buy milk.
Same subject: use to + base verb.
When to use
Everyday goals
Use a purpose clause to explain the goal behind an action: Lisa went online to book a ticket.
Instructions and steps
In instructions, in order to makes the goal clear: Press this button in order to save your file.
Helping another person
Use so that when the purpose involves another person: Tom repeated the number so that Anna could write it down.
Markers
toin order toso thatsofor this purpose
In contrast
vs infinitive-of-purpose
Infinitive-of-purpose focuses on to + verb. Purpose clauses also include so that and in order to for fuller patterns.
vs reason-clauses
Purpose answers what someone wanted to achieve. Reason answers why something happened or was true.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Tom called Anna for ask a question.
Correct
Tom called Anna to ask a question.
Use to + base verb to express purpose after the main action.
Wrong
Tom spoke slowly so that understand him.
Correct
Tom spoke slowly so that we could understand him.
After so that, build a full clause with a subject and a modal verb.
Wrong
Tom left a note to Anna see the address.
Correct
Tom left a note so that Anna could see the address.
Use so that when the purpose clause has a different subject.
Wrong
Anna left early in order for to catch the train.
Correct
Anna left early in order to catch the train.
The fixed pattern is in order to + base verb.
Common misconceptions
❝ I should always use so that because it sounds more complete. ❞
Use to + verb when the same subject does both actions. Use so that when you need a full clause, often with a different subject.
❝ If I want to show purpose, I can add to before any verb form. ❞
After to for purpose, use the base verb: to buy, to call, to help. Do not add endings or another marker before the verb.
Skills in this rule (5)
TO_PLUS_VERB_FOR_PURPOSEw5Use to + verb to show why someone does something
Use to + base verb after an action when the subject stays the same. It answers the question why: Maria went to the store to buy milk.
IN_ORDER_TO_FOR_CLEARER_PURPOSEw4Use in order to + verb when you want a fuller purpose phrase
Use in order to + base verb to make the purpose link more explicit. It is common in careful or formal sentences.
SO_THAT_WITH_SUBJECT_AND_MODALw5Use so that + subject + can, could, will, or would
Use so that when the purpose clause has its own subject or when you want to show ability or expected result. Build it with so that + subject + modal + base verb.
CHOOSE_SAME_OR_DIFFERENT_SUBJECT_PATTERNw5Choose to + verb for the same subject and so that for a different subject
If one person does both actions, use to + verb or in order to + verb. If the second action has a different subject, use so that + subject + modal + verb.
PICK_PURPOSE_MARKERSw3Recognize markers that introduce purpose
Words and chunks like to, in order to, and so that signal purpose. They explain the goal of the action, not the reason from the past.