Purposes and results: in order to, so as to.

When expressing the purpose of an action in English, we have several options, including "in order to," "so as to," "in order that," and "so that."

These phrases help us explain why something is done. Let’s break down their usage:

1. In Order To / So As To + Infinitive

These phrases are used to talk about the purpose of an action.

Example : He took the course in order to get a better job.

Example : Trees are being planted by the roadside so as to reduce traffic noise.

In everyday spoken English, it's more common to simply use the to-infinitive without "in order" or "so as":

Example : He took the course to get a better job.

2. In Order That / So That

These phrases are also used to express purpose, especially when the purpose clause involves a subject and verb.

Example : She stayed at work late in order that she could complete the report.

Example : I hid the presents so that Marianna wouldn’t find them.

"So that" is more common than "in order that" and is typically used in less formal contexts. Note that we can omit "that" in informal speech after "so," but "that" is always included after "in order."

Example : I stayed quiet so she wouldn’t wake up. (informal)

3. Verb Agreement in Purpose Clauses

When a present tense verb appears in the main clause, it's usually followed by a present tense verb or a modal verb with present or future reference (e.g., can, will) in the purpose clause:

Example : Regular checks are made in order that safety standards are maintained.

Example : Advice is given so that students can choose the best course.

Similarly, when a past tense verb appears in the main clause, it’s usually followed by a past tense verb or a modal verb with past reference (e.g., could, would):

Example : He gave up his job so that he could take care of his mother.

4. Using "So As Not To" and "In Order Not To"

When expressing the purpose of avoiding something, use "so as not to" or "in order not to" instead of just "not to":

Example : I wrote down her name so as not to forget it.

However, in contrastive sentences, we can use "not to-infinitive" without "in order" or "so as":

Example : I came to see you not to complain, but to apologize.

5. Formal Expressions: "Such That" and "In Such a Way As To"

In formal contexts, particularly in academic writing, we can use "such that" to introduce a result:

Example : The model was designed such that the value of x could be calculated.

Alternatively, use "in such a way that" or "in such a way as to" for similar meanings:

Example : The advertisement is printed in such a way that two different pictures can be seen depending on the angle.

Additionally, "such + noun phrase + that" can introduce a result:

Example : It is such a popular play that all the performances were sold out after the first day.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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