Purpose
B1 · IntermediateConjunctions & Linking WordsI saved money to buy a car. I saved money, so I bought a car. Purpose looks forward to a goal; result looks back at a consequence.
What you'll learn
- To, in order to, and so as to + base verb express the purpose of an action
- So as not to / in order not to negate the purpose
- So that + subject + can/could/would introduces a purpose clause with its own subject
- For + -ing describes the general purpose of a thing (not a specific action someone is doing right now)
Why someone does something
A purpose expression answers the question 'why?' by looking forward to a goal — it's different from a result, which looks back at what happened as a consequence.
to / in order to / so as to
All three are followed by the base form of the verb and mean the same thing; in order to and so as to are slightly more formal. To negate, use 'not to' after in order/so as: so as not to, in order not to (never 'to not').
so that + subject + can/could/would
Use 'so that' when the purpose clause has its own subject (different from, or restating, the main subject). It's usually followed by can/will for present/future purposes and could/would for past ones.
for + -ing — general purpose of a thing
Use 'for' + the -ing form to describe what something is generally used for — not a specific action happening now, which instead takes 'to' + base verb.
Real English
Watch out
'For' takes a noun or -ing form for purpose; a base-verb purpose needs 'to,' not 'for.'
The negative purpose form is 'so as not to,' not just 'so not to.'
In a past-tense sentence, 'so that' is usually followed by 'could' or 'would,' not 'can' or 'will.'
Real life — Packing for a trip
"Why are you bringing an extra bag?"
"So that I have room for souvenirs — I always buy too many."
"Smart. I brought a smaller one just to carry snacks."
"That works too, as long as you packed light so as not to go over the weight limit."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 2 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 3 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 4 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 5 · Choose the purpose sentence
Choose the sentence that expresses purpose, not result.
Exercise 6 · Choose the result sentence
Choose the sentence that expresses result, not purpose.
Exercise 7 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 8 · Choose the correct modal
Which modal typically follows 'so that' in a past-tense purpose clause?
Exercise 9 · Combine using 'so that'
Combine using 'so that': 'She spoke slowly. Everyone could understand.'
Exercise 10 · Combine using 'to'
Combine using 'to': 'He went to the store. He wanted to buy milk.'
Exercise 11 · Sort into groups
0 / 6 sorted
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
Choose the correct sentence.
You learned
- To, in order to, and so as to + base verb express purpose.
- So as not to / in order not to negate the purpose.
- So that + subject + can/could/would introduces a purpose clause with its own subject.
- For + -ing describes a thing's general purpose, not one specific action.
Related grammar lessons
Contrast and Concession
Learn to express contrast and concession across three grammatical patterns: although/even though/though + clause, despite/in spite of + noun or -ing, and however/nevertheless as linking adverbs.
Result
Learn the connectors for expressing result — so (a coordinating conjunction, comma only) versus therefore/as a result/consequently/thus (linking adverbs, needing a period or semicolon).
Linking Words
Learn linking adverbs like however, therefore, moreover, and for example that connect separate sentences — and the punctuation that sets them apart from conjunctions.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Learn how subordinating conjunctions like when, while, before, after, if, and unless introduce dependent clauses of time and condition, and the comma rule that goes with them.