Home Grammar Linking Words ExercisesPurpose Connectors: To, In Order To, So That

Purpose Connectors: To, In Order To, So That

B1-B2 Level

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To, in order to, so that, and so as to all express purpose — they explain why someone does something. "I went to the shop to buy milk" tells you the purpose of going to the shop. The simplest and most common is to + base verb: "She called to ask about the job." In order to is a more formal version of "to": "He arrived early in order to get a good seat." Both are followed by the base form of the verb.

So that is different because it is followed by a full clause (subject + verb): "She left early so that she could catch the train." "So that" is especially useful when the subject changes: "I wrote it down so that I wouldn't forget." So as to is a formal alternative to "in order to": "She whispered so as not to wake the baby." The negative forms are important: "in order not to" and "so as not to" (not "to not" or "for not to"): "He left quietly in order not to disturb anyone." These purpose connectors are commonly tested in Cambridge Preliminary and First examinations at B1-B2 level.

Quick Rule

to / in order to / so as to + base verb | so that + subject + verb

1.She took a taxi to arrive on time for the interview. (simple purpose — to)
2.He studied hard in order to pass the final exam. (formal purpose)
3.I turned off my phone so that nobody would disturb me. (purpose with different subject)
4.We left early so as not to get stuck in traffic. (negative purpose — formal)
5.She didn't tell anyone in order not to cause unnecessary worry. (negative purpose)