Understanding and effectively using conjunctions to express purpose is a crucial aspect of mastering the English language. These conjunctions help articulate reasons, goals, and objectives, adding depth and clarity to communication. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, giving a business presentation, or engaging in casual conversation, knowing how to use these conjunctions can significantly enhance your expressiveness and precision.
What are Conjunctions of Purpose?
Conjunctions of purpose are words or phrases that link clauses to indicate the reason for or the goal of the action in the main clause. These conjunctions help answer the question “why?” by providing the purpose behind an action. Common conjunctions of purpose include so that, in order that, so as to, in order to, and for the purpose of.
Common Conjunctions of Purpose
So That
“So that” is one of the most commonly used conjunctions to express purpose. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
– She saved money so that she could buy a new car.
– I will leave early so that I can catch the first train.
In these examples, “so that” introduces a clause that explains why the action in the main clause is taken.
In Order That
“In order that” is a bit more formal than “so that” and is often used in written English, particularly in academic or professional contexts.
Example:
– He studied hard in order that he might pass the exam.
– The company is investing in new technologies in order that they can stay competitive.
This conjunction serves the same purpose as “so that” but adds a slightly more formal tone to the sentence.
So As To
“So as to” is another formal conjunction of purpose, often used in written English.
Example:
– She spoke quietly so as to not wake the baby.
– They are conducting research so as to develop new treatments.
“So as to” is typically followed by a verb in the infinitive form and provides a clear reason for the action in the main clause.
In Order To
“In order to” is a versatile and commonly used conjunction of purpose that can be found in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
– He exercised regularly in order to stay healthy.
– She attended the meeting in order to discuss the new project.
Like “so as to,” “in order to” is followed by an infinitive verb and explains the purpose of the main action.
For the Purpose Of
“For the purpose of” is a more formal and specific conjunction that is often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts.
Example:
– The organization was established for the purpose of promoting education.
– He wrote the report for the purpose of providing an update on the project.
This conjunction is followed by a gerund (verb + ing) and provides a clear, explicit reason for the action.
Usage and Examples
Understanding the nuances of these conjunctions is essential for their correct usage. Let’s delve deeper into each conjunction with more examples and explanations.
So That
“So that” can be used with both present and past tense verbs. It often introduces a clause that contains a modal verb (can, could, may, might).
Example:
– I brought an umbrella so that I wouldn’t get wet.
– She is studying late so that she can finish her assignment.
In these sentences, “so that” introduces the purpose behind bringing an umbrella and studying late.
In Order That
“In order that” is more common in written English and is often used with modal verbs.
Example:
– They implemented the new policy in order that employees might have more flexibility.
– The changes were made in order that the system could operate more efficiently.
These sentences show how “in order that” is used to explain the purpose of implementing policies and making changes.
So As To
“So as to” is always followed by an infinitive verb and is typically used in more formal contexts.
Example:
– He left the house early so as to avoid traffic.
– The scientist conducted experiments so as to test the hypothesis.
Here, “so as to” links the main action with its purpose, providing a clear reason for leaving early and conducting experiments.
In Order To
“In order to” is versatile and can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal.
Example:
– She moved to the city in order to find better job opportunities.
– He took the course in order to improve his skills.
“In order to” effectively explains the purpose of moving to the city and taking the course.
For the Purpose Of
“For the purpose of” is more formal and specific, often used in detailed explanations.
Example:
– The committee was formed for the purpose of reviewing the new policies.
– He created a checklist for the purpose of ensuring all tasks were completed.
This conjunction provides a clear and explicit reason for forming the committee and creating the checklist.
Comparing Conjunctions of Purpose
While all these conjunctions serve to express purpose, choosing the right one depends on the context, formality, and clarity required. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which conjunction to use:
– So That: Versatile and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It often involves modal verbs and is suitable for informal and formal contexts.
– In Order That: More formal than “so that” and usually found in written English. It often introduces a clause with a modal verb and is suitable for formal contexts.
– So As To: Always followed by an infinitive verb and used in formal contexts. It provides a clear and direct purpose.
– In Order To: Versatile and common in both spoken and written English. It is followed by an infinitive verb and is suitable for various contexts.
– For the Purpose Of: Very formal and specific, often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts. It is followed by a gerund and provides explicit reasons.
Exercises and Practice
To solidify your understanding of conjunctions of purpose, here are some exercises:
1. Complete the sentences using the appropriate conjunction of purpose:
– She went to the library ____ study.
– He saved money ____ he could buy a house.
– The team worked overtime ____ finish the project on time.
– They held a meeting ____ discuss the new policy.
– The research was conducted ____ finding new solutions.
2. Rewrite the sentences using a different conjunction of purpose:
– She left early so that she could avoid traffic.
– He studied hard in order to pass the exam.
– The law was changed for the purpose of protecting consumers.
– They are training employees so as to improve productivity.
– The project was delayed in order that more resources could be allocated.
3. Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences:
– He exercises regularly for to stay healthy.
– They moved to the city so as to they could find better jobs.
– She is taking a course so that improve her skills.
– The policy was implemented in order to employees might have more flexibility.
– The report was written for the purpose to providing an update.
Answers:
1.
– to
– so that
– in order to
– in order that
– for the purpose of
2.
– She left early in order to avoid traffic.
– He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
– The law was changed in order to protect consumers.
– They are training employees in order to improve productivity.
– The project was delayed so that more resources could be allocated.
3.
– He exercises regularly in order to stay healthy.
– They moved to the city so that they could find better jobs.
– She is taking a course in order to improve her skills.
– The policy was implemented in order that employees might have more flexibility.
– The report was written for the purpose of providing an update.
Conclusion
Mastering conjunctions of purpose is an essential part of becoming fluent in English. These conjunctions not only help in making your speech and writing more coherent and purposeful but also add depth and clarity to your communication. By understanding the nuances of each conjunction, practicing their usage, and integrating them into your daily language, you can significantly enhance your ability to express purpose effectively. Remember, the key to mastering any aspect of language is consistent practice and application, so keep using these conjunctions in various contexts to become more proficient. Happy learning!
