Master "In Order To" - Complete English Grammar Guide

Learn to express purpose and intention like a native speaker

Introduction: Why "In Order To" Matters

Have you ever wondered how to clearly express your intentions in English? The phrase "in order to" is one of the most powerful tools in the English language for showing purpose and explaining why we do things. Whether you're writing an email, giving a presentation, or having a casual conversation, mastering this phrase will make your English sound more natural and professional.

In this comprehensive lesson, we'll explore everything you need to know about "in order to" - from basic usage to advanced applications. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident using this essential phrase in any situation.

What Does "In Order To" Mean?

"In order to" is a phrase that shows purpose or intention. It answers the question "Why?" and explains the reason behind an action. Think of it as a bridge that connects what you're doing with why you're doing it.

Simple Example:

"I study English in order to get a better job."

Here, studying English is the action, and getting a better job is the purpose.

The phrase is formal and polite, making it perfect for business communication, academic writing, and professional conversations. However, it's also commonly used in everyday speech when you want to be clear about your intentions.

Basic Grammar Structure

Understanding the grammar structure of "in order to" is essential for using it correctly. The basic pattern is simple and follows this formula:

Basic Structure:

Subject + Verb + Object + in order to + Base Verb + Object/Complement

Key Grammar Points:

1. Always use the base form of the verb after "in order to" (not -ing, not past tense, not -ed)

Correct Examples:

✓ She wakes up early in order to exercise.

✓ We saved money in order to buy a house.

✓ He speaks slowly in order to be understood.

Incorrect Examples:

✗ She wakes up early in order to exercising.

✗ We saved money in order to bought a house.

✗ He speaks slowly in order to being understood.

2. "In order to" can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence

Position Examples:

I exercise daily in order to stay healthy. (Middle)

In order to stay healthy, I exercise daily. (Beginning)

Important Note:

When "in order to" starts a sentence, use a comma after the purpose clause.

Common Uses and Situations

1. Expressing Personal Goals

Use "in order to" when talking about your personal objectives and aspirations:

Personal Goal Examples:

I'm learning Spanish in order to travel to South America.

She's dieting in order to lose weight before her wedding.

They're working overtime in order to pay off their debts.

He's taking cooking classes in order to impress his girlfriend.

2. Business and Professional Context

In professional settings, "in order to" adds formality and clarity to your communication:

Business Examples:

We're implementing new software in order to improve efficiency.

The company is expanding in order to reach new markets.

Please submit your report by Friday in order to meet the deadline.

We're hiring more staff in order to handle the increased workload.

3. Academic and Educational Purposes

Students and educators frequently use "in order to" when discussing learning objectives:

Academic Examples:

Students must complete all assignments in order to pass the course.

The teacher uses visual aids in order to help students understand better.

I'm reading extra books in order to improve my vocabulary.

The university offers scholarships in order to attract talented students.

4. Daily Life and Routine Activities

Even in everyday situations, "in order to" helps explain the reasoning behind common actions:

Daily Life Examples:

I set my alarm early in order to avoid traffic.

She brings an umbrella in order to stay dry in the rain.

We're leaving now in order to arrive on time.

He's saving money in order to buy a new car.

Alternative Expressions

While "in order to" is excellent, English offers several alternatives that mean the same thing. Learning these variations will make your English more diverse and natural:

1. "To" (Simple Infinitive)

The most common alternative is simply using "to" without "in order":

Comparison Examples:

Formal: I study hard in order to pass my exams.

Casual: I study hard to pass my exams.

2. "So as to"

This is slightly more formal than "to" but less formal than "in order to":

"So as to" Examples:

She whispered so as to not wake the baby.

We left early so as to avoid the crowds.

3. "So that"

This alternative is followed by a complete clause (subject + verb):

"So that" Examples:

I'm learning English so that I can communicate better.

She saved money so that she could buy a house.

4. "For the purpose of"

This is very formal and often used in official documents:

"For the purpose of" Examples:

This meeting is called for the purpose of discussing the budget.

The survey was conducted for the purpose of gathering customer feedback.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Using Wrong Verb Forms

Remember:

Always use the base form of the verb after "in order to"

Wrong vs. Right:

❌ I exercise in order to staying healthy.

✅ I exercise in order to stay healthy.

❌ She studies in order to passed the test.

✅ She studies in order to pass the test.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Comma

When "in order to" starts a sentence, always use a comma after the purpose clause:

Punctuation Examples:

❌ In order to succeed you must work hard.

✅ In order to succeed, you must work hard.

Mistake 3: Overusing "In Order To"

While "in order to" is useful, using it too frequently can make your speech sound repetitive. Mix it with alternatives:

Variety Examples:

Repetitive: I wake up early in order to exercise. I eat healthy food in order to stay fit. I drink water in order to stay hydrated.

Better: I wake up early to exercise. I eat healthy food in order to stay fit. I drink water so I can stay hydrated.

Mistake 4: Using "In Order To" with Negative Purposes

For negative purposes, use "in order not to" or "so as not to":

Negative Purpose Examples:

✅ I left early in order not to be late.

✅ She spoke quietly so as not to disturb others.

❌ I left early in order to not be late.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

Understanding when to use "in order to" versus simpler alternatives is crucial for natural English:

Formality Guide:

Very Formal: "for the purpose of" (legal documents, official reports)
Formal: "in order to" (business emails, academic writing)
Neutral: "so as to" (polite conversation)
Casual: "to" (everyday speech, informal writing)

Complex Sentence Structures

You can create sophisticated sentences by combining "in order to" with other grammatical structures:

Complex Examples:

Having realized the importance of networking, she joined professional organizations in order to meet industry leaders.

Despite the challenges, the team worked tirelessly in order to complete the project before the deadline.

The government implemented new policies in order to address the economic crisis that had been affecting the country for months.

Multiple Purposes

Sometimes you want to express multiple reasons for doing something:

Multiple Purpose Examples:

She exercises regularly in order to stay healthy, maintain her energy levels, and feel confident.

The company is investing in new technology in order to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences

Fill in the blanks with appropriate verbs:

1. I'm learning French in order to _____ to Paris next year.

2. She saved money in order to _____ a new laptop.

3. We arrived early in order to _____ good seats.

Exercise 2: Rewrite using "in order to"

Change these sentences to use "in order to":

1. I study hard so I can pass my exams.

2. She exercises daily for staying healthy.

3. They left early so they wouldn't be late.

Exercise 3: Choose the correct alternative

Select the most appropriate phrase for each context:

1. (Casual conversation) I'm going to the store _____ buy milk.

2. (Business email) We are implementing new procedures _____ improve customer service.

3. (Academic paper) This study was conducted _____ examining the effects of social media.

Cultural and Regional Variations

While "in order to" is universally understood in English-speaking countries, there are some subtle differences in usage:

American English

Americans tend to prefer shorter, more direct expressions in casual conversation, often choosing "to" over "in order to":

American Preference:

Common: "I'm going to the gym to work out."

Less common: "I'm going to the gym in order to work out."

British English

British speakers are more likely to use "in order to" in both formal and semi-formal contexts:

British Usage:

"I'm popping to the shops in order to get some milk."

"We're having a meeting in order to discuss the proposal."

International English

In international business and academic contexts, "in order to" is preferred because it's clear, formal, and universally understood.

Tips for Natural Usage

Tip 1: Listen and Observe

Pay attention to how native speakers use "in order to" in movies, podcasts, and conversations. Notice when they choose it over simpler alternatives.

Tip 2: Start with Writing

Practice using "in order to" in your writing first. It's easier to think about grammar rules when writing than when speaking.

Tip 3: Create Personal Examples

Make sentences about your own life and goals. This makes the practice more meaningful and memorable.

Tip 4: Practice Transitions

Learn to switch between "in order to," "to," and "so that" smoothly in conversation to sound more natural.

Real-World Applications

In Job Interviews

Using "in order to" in job interviews shows professionalism and clear thinking:

Interview Examples:

"I'm pursuing this MBA in order to develop my leadership skills."

"I left my previous job in order to find new challenges and growth opportunities."

"I'm interested in this position in order to contribute to your company's innovative projects."

In Academic Writing

Academic papers frequently use "in order to" to explain research purposes and methodologies:

Academic Examples:

"The researchers collected data from multiple sources in order to ensure accuracy."

"This experiment was designed in order to test the hypothesis about climate change effects."

In Business Presentations

Professional presentations benefit from the clarity that "in order to" provides:

Presentation Examples:

"We're launching this campaign in order to increase brand awareness."

"The company is investing in training in order to improve employee satisfaction."

Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering "in order to" is a significant step toward more sophisticated English communication. This phrase allows you to express your intentions clearly and professionally, whether you're writing an email, giving a presentation, or having a conversation.

Remember the key points:

• Always use the base form of the verb after "in order to"
• Use a comma when starting a sentence with "in order to"
• Choose the right level of formality for your context
• Practice with alternatives like "to," "so as to," and "so that"
• Avoid overusing the phrase - variety makes your English more natural

The journey to fluent English is ongoing, and mastering phrases like "in order to" brings you closer to your goal. Keep practicing, stay curious about the language, and don't be afraid to experiment with different expressions in your daily communication.

Your Next Challenge:

Try to use "in order to" at least three times this week in different contexts - once in writing, once in a formal conversation, and once in a casual setting. Notice how it changes the tone and clarity of your communication!

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