In the vast and intricate landscape of the English language, conjunctions play an essential role in connecting ideas and ensuring the flow of sentences. Among these, *conjunctions of purpose* stand out as they specifically indicate the reason or intent behind an action. Understanding and mastering these conjunctions can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills, providing clarity and depth to your communication.
What Are Conjunctions of Purpose?
Conjunctions of purpose are words or phrases that link clauses in a sentence to express the *reason* or *intent* behind an action. They answer the question “why?” and help to provide context to actions or decisions. Some common conjunctions of purpose include “so that,” “in order that,” “lest,” and “for fear that.”
So That
One of the most frequently used conjunctions of purpose is “so that.” It is used to show the purpose behind an action. For example:
– She saved money *so that* she could buy a new car.
– He studied hard *so that* he would pass the exam.
In these sentences, “so that” links the action (saving money, studying hard) to the intended outcome (buying a new car, passing the exam).
In Order That
Similar to “so that,” “in order that” is a bit more formal and is used to express purpose. For instance:
– They left early *in order that* they might catch the first train.
– She worked extra hours *in order that* she could afford the vacation.
While “in order that” can often be replaced by “so that,” it adds a touch of formality and can be used for emphasis or in more formal writing.
Lest
“Lest” is a conjunction of purpose that carries a somewhat negative connotation. It is used to express the idea of preventing something undesirable from happening. Examples include:
– He whispered *lest* he wake the baby.
– She wore a raincoat *lest* she get wet.
“Lest” is relatively formal and somewhat archaic, but it is still used in literary and formal contexts.
For Fear That
“For fear that” is another conjunction that conveys a preventive purpose, similar to “lest.” It is used to express an action taken to avoid a negative outcome. For example:
– They spoke in hushed tones *for fear that* they might be overheard.
– She double-checked her work *for fear that* she had made a mistake.
This conjunction often indicates a sense of caution or concern about a potential negative event.
Using Conjunctions of Purpose in Sentences
To effectively use conjunctions of purpose, it’s crucial to understand the structure of sentences they form. Typically, these sentences consist of a main clause (the action) and a subordinate clause (the purpose). Here are a few guidelines:
1. **Positioning**: Conjunctions of purpose usually come between the main clause and the subordinate clause. For example:
– He brought an umbrella *so that* he wouldn’t get wet.
– She exercises regularly *in order that* she stays healthy.
2. **Verb Tense**: The verb in the subordinate clause often follows a specific tense pattern. For instance, after “so that” and “in order that,” we typically use modal verbs like “can,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” etc. For example:
– I arrived early *so that* I could get a good seat.
– They are saving money *in order that* they might buy a house.
3. **Negative Form**: When using conjunctions of purpose in negative sentences, ensure the negative is correctly placed. For example:
– She whispered *lest* she wake the sleeping baby. (Not: She whispered lest she doesn’t wake the baby.)
– He checked the documents twice *for fear that* he might have missed something.
Common Mistakes with Conjunctions of Purpose
Even advanced learners can sometimes make mistakes when using conjunctions of purpose. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. **Incorrect Conjunction Choice**: Mixing up conjunctions of purpose with other types of conjunctions can lead to confusion. For instance, using “because” (a conjunction of cause) instead of “so that” changes the meaning of the sentence:
– Incorrect: She saved money because she could buy a new car.
– Correct: She saved money *so that* she could buy a new car.
2. **Misplaced Modifiers**: Ensure that the purpose clause directly follows the action it is meant to explain. For example:
– Incorrect: He gave me the book to read it *so that* I could learn.
– Correct: He gave me the book *so that* I could read it and learn.
3. **Overuse of Formal Conjunctions**: While “in order that” and “lest” add formality, overusing them can make your writing sound stilted. Balance your usage with more common conjunctions like “so that” for a more natural flow.
Practical Exercises
To master conjunctions of purpose, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help reinforce your understanding:
1. **Fill in the Blanks**: Complete the sentences with the appropriate conjunction of purpose.
– She left the door open ________ the cat could come in.
– He wore a disguise ________ he wouldn’t be recognized.
– They studied hard ________ they might succeed in their exams.
2. **Sentence Transformation**: Rewrite the sentences using a different conjunction of purpose.
– They moved to the countryside so that they could enjoy a quieter life.
– She set an alarm in order that she wouldn’t oversleep.
– He took notes for fear that he might forget the lecture content.
3. **Error Correction**: Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
– She keeps the lights on because she won’t get scared.
– He whispered lest he doesn’t wake the baby.
– They saved money in order that they can buy a new house.
Advanced Usage and Variations
For those looking to elevate their language skills, exploring advanced usage and variations of conjunctions of purpose can be highly beneficial.
Formal and Informal Contexts
While “so that” is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, “in order that” is typically reserved for more formal writing. Understanding the appropriate context can help you choose the right conjunction:
– Formal: The company implemented new policies *in order that* employee satisfaction might improve.
– Informal: The company made new rules *so that* employees would be happier.
Subjunctive Mood
In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the subjunctive mood with certain conjunctions of purpose. For example:
– She speaks quietly *lest* anyone *hear* her. (Subjunctive: “hear” instead of “hears”)
– He takes precautions *for fear that* he *be* misunderstood. (Subjunctive: “be” instead of “is”)
While the subjunctive mood is less common in everyday English, it adds a layer of sophistication and precision to your language.
Combining Conjunctions
Sometimes, you might need to combine conjunctions of purpose with other types of conjunctions to convey complex ideas. For example:
– She brought a map *so that* they wouldn’t get lost and *because* she wanted to explore new places.
– He set multiple alarms *in order that* he wakes up on time, *even if* one fails.
Combining conjunctions effectively can help you articulate nuanced thoughts and connect multiple ideas seamlessly.
Conclusion
Conjunctions of purpose are indispensable tools in the English language, enabling speakers and writers to convey intent and rationale clearly and effectively. By mastering conjunctions like “so that,” “in order that,” “lest,” and “for fear that,” you can enhance your communication skills and add depth to your expressions.
Remember, practice is key to mastering these conjunctions. Through consistent usage and by paying attention to context, you can become adept at incorporating them into your language repertoire. Whether you’re writing a formal essay, engaging in a casual conversation, or crafting a compelling story, conjunctions of purpose will serve as your allies in articulating the “why” behind your actions.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that using these conjunctions becomes second nature, enriching your English language skills and making your communication more effective and engaging.
