Conjunctions are an essential component of the English language, serving as the glue that holds sentences together and adds clarity to our communication. Among the various types of conjunctions, those that express purpose are particularly crucial for conveying intentions, goals, and reasons behind actions. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of conjunctions that express purpose, exploring their uses, nuances, and the vital role they play in crafting coherent and meaningful sentences.
Understanding Conjunctions
Before we dive into the specifics of conjunctions that express purpose, it is important to have a general understanding of what conjunctions are. Conjunctions are words that connect clauses, sentences, or words. They help us create complex sentences and provide a way to express relationships between different parts of a sentence. There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions.
For the purpose of this article, our focus will be on subordinating conjunctions, as they are the ones primarily used to express purpose.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to join an independent clause with a dependent clause, creating a complex sentence. The dependent clause usually provides additional information about the main clause and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Conjunctions that express purpose are a subset of subordinating conjunctions, and they are used to explain the reason or intention behind an action.
Common Conjunctions to Express Purpose
Several conjunctions in English are specifically used to express purpose. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. **So that**
2. **In order to**
3. **For the purpose of**
4. **So as to**
5. **Lest**
Let’s explore each of these conjunctions in more detail, including examples to illustrate their usage.
1. So That
“So that” is a versatile conjunction that is often used to express purpose. It connects a main clause with a subordinate clause, indicating the reason or intention behind the action described in the main clause.
**Examples:**
– She saved money so that she could buy a new car.
– I studied hard so that I would pass the exam.
– They moved to the countryside so that they could enjoy a quieter life.
In these sentences, “so that” introduces the purpose or goal behind the actions described. It is worth noting that “so that” is often followed by a modal verb such as “could,” “would,” or “might.”
2. In Order To
“In order to” is another commonly used conjunction to express purpose. It is typically followed by the base form of a verb and is used to explain why someone does something.
**Examples:**
– She exercised regularly in order to stay healthy.
– He worked overtime in order to save money for a vacation.
– They planted trees in order to improve the environment.
In these examples, “in order to” clearly indicates the purpose of the actions described. It is often used in more formal writing and speech.
3. For the Purpose Of
“For the purpose of” is a more formal conjunction that is used to express purpose. It is typically followed by a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing).
**Examples:**
– The company conducted a survey for the purpose of gathering customer feedback.
– She attended the workshop for the purpose of improving her skills.
– They held a meeting for the purpose of discussing the new project.
This conjunction is often used in academic and professional contexts to clearly state the intention behind an action.
4. So As To
“So as to” is another conjunction that is used to express purpose. It is similar in meaning to “in order to” and is followed by the base form of a verb.
**Examples:**
– He left early so as to avoid traffic.
– She studied diligently so as to achieve her goals.
– They implemented new policies so as to improve efficiency.
“So as to” is slightly more formal than “in order to” and is often used in written English.
5. Lest
“Lest” is a less common but interesting conjunction that is used to express purpose, specifically to avoid something undesirable. It is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
**Examples:**
– She whispered lest she wake the baby.
– He took precautions lest he get sick.
– They avoided the area lest they be caught in the storm.
“Lest” is a somewhat archaic term and is more commonly found in literary or formal contexts.
Using Conjunctions to Express Purpose Correctly
While understanding the different conjunctions that express purpose is important, it is equally crucial to know how to use them correctly in sentences. Here are some tips to help you use these conjunctions effectively:
1. **Match the conjunction with the context**: Choose the conjunction that best fits the formality and context of your writing or speech. For example, “in order to” and “for the purpose of” are more formal, while “so that” is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
2. **Pay attention to verb forms**: Ensure that the verb form following the conjunction is correct. “So that” is often followed by a modal verb, “in order to” and “so as to” are followed by the base form of a verb, and “for the purpose of” is followed by a noun or gerund.
3. **Use commas appropriately**: When the purpose clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is often followed by a comma. For example, “In order to stay healthy, she exercised regularly.” However, when the purpose clause comes after the main clause, a comma is usually not needed.
4. **Avoid redundancy**: Be careful not to use redundant expressions. For example, saying “in order to” and “so as to” together is unnecessary. Choose one conjunction that best fits the sentence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using conjunctions to express purpose, learners often make some common mistakes. Being aware of these can help you avoid them in your writing and speech.
1. **Incorrect verb forms**: Using the wrong verb form after a conjunction can lead to grammatical errors. For example, saying “She exercised regularly so that stay healthy” instead of “She exercised regularly so that she could stay healthy.”
2. **Overusing formal conjunctions**: While formal conjunctions like “in order to” and “for the purpose of” are useful, overusing them can make your writing sound stiff and unnatural. Use a variety of conjunctions to maintain a natural flow.
3. **Misplacing the purpose clause**: Placing the purpose clause incorrectly in a sentence can lead to confusion. Ensure that the purpose clause is clearly connected to the main clause it is explaining.
4. **Neglecting context**: Choosing a conjunction that does not fit the context can make your sentence sound awkward. Always consider the level of formality and the specific situation when selecting a conjunction.
Practicing Conjunctions to Express Purpose
The best way to become proficient in using conjunctions to express purpose is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you strengthen your skills:
1. **Sentence Completion**: Complete the following sentences using the appropriate conjunction to express purpose.
– She went to the library ____________.
– He saved his money ____________.
– They held a meeting ____________.
2. **Sentence Transformation**: Rewrite the following sentences using a different conjunction to express the same purpose.
– She studied hard so that she would pass the exam.
– He worked overtime in order to save money for a vacation.
– They planted trees for the purpose of improving the environment.
3. **Error Correction**: Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
– She whispered so that she wake the baby.
– He took precautions so as to he not get sick.
– They avoided the area for the purpose of be caught in the storm.
Advanced Usage and Variations
For more advanced learners, it is beneficial to explore some variations and more sophisticated uses of conjunctions to express purpose.
Negative Purpose Clauses
Sometimes, you may need to express a purpose to avoid something. Here are some ways to do that:
**Examples:**
– He spoke softly so as not to disturb anyone.
– She took her medicine in order not to get worse.
– They left early so that they wouldn’t miss the train.
These constructions help you convey a preventive purpose and are particularly useful in more nuanced writing.
Combining Multiple Purposes
In more complex sentences, you may need to express multiple purposes. This can be done by combining different conjunctions or using conjunctions in a series.
**Examples:**
– She studied hard so that she could pass the exam and in order to get a scholarship.
– They implemented new policies so as to improve efficiency and for the purpose of increasing employee satisfaction.
Combining conjunctions in this way allows you to clearly articulate multiple goals or intentions within a single sentence.
Purpose Clauses in Passive Voice
In some cases, you may need to express purpose in sentences written in the passive voice. This can be particularly useful in formal or academic writing.
**Examples:**
– The survey was conducted in order to gather customer feedback.
– New policies were implemented so as to improve efficiency.
– The workshop was organized for the purpose of enhancing skills.
Using purpose clauses in the passive voice can help you maintain a formal tone while clearly stating the intention behind actions.
Conclusion
Conjunctions to express purpose are vital tools in the English language, enabling us to convey intentions, goals, and reasons behind our actions. By mastering these conjunctions, you can enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing and speech. Remember to choose the conjunction that best fits the context, pay attention to verb forms, and avoid common mistakes. With practice, you will become adept at using these conjunctions to craft meaningful and purposeful sentences. Happy learning!
