Understanding how to use conjunctions for expressing purpose is a valuable skill for any language learner. Conjunctions serve as the glue that holds ideas together, and knowing how to use them correctly can greatly enhance the clarity and fluency of your speech and writing. In this article, we will explore various conjunctions that are commonly used to express purpose in English. We will examine their meanings, usage, and provide examples to illustrate how they function in sentences.
Understanding Conjunctions of Purpose
Conjunctions for expressing purpose are words or phrases that link clauses and indicate the reason or objective behind an action. These conjunctions help to answer the question “why?” and can add depth and coherence to your sentences. Common conjunctions used to express purpose include *so that*, *in order to*, *for the purpose of*, *lest*, and several others. Let’s delve into each of these conjunctions and understand how they are used.
So That
One of the most frequently used conjunctions for expressing purpose is *so that*. It is used to indicate that one action is performed to achieve a particular result. The structure typically involves a main clause followed by a subordinate clause introduced by *so that*.
**Examples:**
1. I saved money so that I could buy a new car.
2. She studied hard so that she would pass the exam.
3. They left early so that they could avoid traffic.
In these examples, the purpose of saving money, studying hard, and leaving early is clearly linked to the desired outcomes of buying a car, passing an exam, and avoiding traffic, respectively.
In Order To
Another common conjunction for expressing purpose is *in order to*. This phrase is often used in more formal contexts and is followed by a base form of a verb.
**Examples:**
1. He took a day off in order to spend time with his family.
2. She exercised regularly in order to stay healthy.
3. They hired a consultant in order to improve their business strategies.
In these sentences, the actions of taking a day off, exercising, and hiring a consultant are done with the specific purposes of spending time with family, staying healthy, and improving business strategies.
For the Purpose Of
*For the purpose of* is another formal conjunction used to express why something is done. It is typically followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing).
**Examples:**
1. The committee was formed for the purpose of investigating the issue.
2. They conducted the survey for the purpose of gathering data.
3. The training program was designed for the purpose of enhancing skills.
In these instances, the committee’s formation, the survey, and the training program all serve specific purposes: investigating an issue, gathering data, and enhancing skills.
Lest
*Lest* is a somewhat archaic conjunction that means “to prevent something from happening.” It is often used in more literary or formal contexts and is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
**Examples:**
1. She whispered lest she wake the baby.
2. He locked the door lest someone should enter.
3. They took precautions lest the plan fail.
In these examples, whispering, locking the door, and taking precautions are actions taken to prevent waking the baby, someone entering, and the plan failing, respectively.
Combining Purpose with Other Conjunctions
Conjunctions for expressing purpose can often be combined with other conjunctions to provide more detailed and complex sentences. This combination can help to convey nuanced meanings and relationships between actions.
So That + Because
Combining *so that* with *because* can add an additional layer of explanation to your sentences.
**Examples:**
1. I brought an umbrella so that I wouldn’t get wet because it was raining.
2. She wore a coat so that she would stay warm because it was cold outside.
3. They arrived early so that they could get good seats because the show was popular.
In these sentences, the purpose of bringing an umbrella, wearing a coat, and arriving early is further clarified by the reasons for those purposes.
In Order To + Although
Combining *in order to* with *although* can create sentences that express purpose while acknowledging a contrasting condition or challenge.
**Examples:**
1. He saved money in order to travel the world although it meant making sacrifices.
2. She practiced daily in order to master the piano although it was difficult.
3. They invested time in order to learn a new language although they had busy schedules.
These sentences highlight the purpose of actions while also noting the challenges or conditions that accompany them.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While using conjunctions for expressing purpose, language learners may encounter some common mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid them and use conjunctions more effectively.
Incorrect Placement
One common mistake is placing the conjunction in the wrong part of the sentence. Ensure that the conjunction correctly links the main clause with the purpose clause.
**Incorrect:** I go to the gym so that every day I can stay fit.
**Correct:** I go to the gym every day so that I can stay fit.
In the correct sentence, *so that* clearly links the action of going to the gym with the purpose of staying fit.
Using the Wrong Conjunction
Another mistake is using a conjunction that does not appropriately convey the intended purpose. Make sure to choose the conjunction that best fits the context of your sentence.
**Incorrect:** She exercises regularly lest she stays unhealthy.
**Correct:** She exercises regularly in order to stay healthy.
In the corrected sentence, *in order to* properly links the action of exercising with the purpose of staying healthy.
Omitting Necessary Verbs
Sometimes learners forget to include the verb that indicates the action taken to achieve the purpose.
**Incorrect:** They arrived early so that get good seats.
**Correct:** They arrived early so that they could get good seats.
In the corrected sentence, the verb *could* is included to complete the purpose clause.
Practical Exercises
To solidify your understanding of conjunctions for expressing purpose, try the following exercises. These will help reinforce your learning and provide practical application.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions for expressing purpose.
1. She studied hard _____ she could pass the exam.
2. He saved money _____ buy a new car.
3. They left early _____ avoid traffic.
4. The committee was formed _____ investigating the issue.
5. He whispered _____ wake the baby.
**Answers:**
1. so that
2. in order to
3. so that
4. for the purpose of
5. lest
Exercise 2: Sentence Construction
Construct sentences using the given conjunctions for expressing purpose.
1. In order to
2. So that
3. For the purpose of
4. Lest
**Examples:**
1. She saved money in order to buy a new house.
2. He studied late so that he could finish his project.
3. The training session was organized for the purpose of improving employee skills.
4. He spoke softly lest he disturb the meeting.
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
1. She wore a coat so that she stay warm.
2. He exercises regularly for the purpose stay healthy.
3. They took precautions lest the plan failing.
**Corrected Sentences:**
1. She wore a coat so that she would stay warm.
2. He exercises regularly for the purpose of staying healthy.
3. They took precautions lest the plan fail.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of conjunctions for expressing purpose is an essential skill for language learners. These conjunctions help to clarify the reason behind actions and add coherence to your speech and writing. By understanding and practicing the use of *so that*, *in order to*, *for the purpose of*, *lest*, and other conjunctions, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and accurately.
Remember to pay attention to the placement of conjunctions, choose the appropriate conjunction for the context, and include necessary verbs to complete your sentences. With practice, you will become more confident in using these conjunctions to express purpose and achieve greater fluency in English.
Happy learning!
