Clauses of Purpose: Definition, Examples, Usage

In English, we often need to explain why we do something. This is where clauses of purpose come in. These are phrases or sentences that help us communicate the purpose or reason for an action. In this guide, you’ll learn what clauses of purpose are, how to use them, and see many examples to make it easy to understand.

What Is a Clause of Purpose?

A clause of purpose is a group of words that explains why someone does something. In simple terms, it answers the question “Why?” For example, if someone says, “I study hard to pass my exams,” the reason or purpose is “to pass my exams.” Here, “to pass my exams” is a clause of purpose that shows why the person studies hard.

Common Structures of Clauses of Purpose

Clauses of purpose often follow certain patterns in English. Here are the most common structures:

“to” + verb - Example: “I exercise to stay healthy.”
“in order to” + verb - Example: “She left early in order to catch the train.”
“so that” + clause - Example: “They spoke quietly so that they wouldn’t disturb the others.”

Each of these structures can be used to show purpose, and we’ll dive deeper into each one below.

Using “To” + Verb for Clauses of Purpose

The simplest way to create a clause of purpose is to use “to” followed by a verb. This structure is widely used in both spoken and written English and is easy to remember.

Examples:

“He saved money to buy a new car.”
“She studied hard to get good grades.”
“I went to the store to buy groceries.”

In these examples, the “to” + verb phrase shows the purpose of the action. It explains why the person did something. This form is usually used when the subject of the main clause and the purpose clause are the same.

Using “In Order To” + Verb for Clauses of Purpose

Another way to express purpose is by using “in order to” followed by a verb. This structure is more formal than using just “to” + verb, but the meaning remains the same.

Examples:

“She exercises in order to stay fit.”
“They arrived early in order to get good seats.”
“He took extra classes in order to improve his skills.”

This structure can help you sound more formal and is useful in writing, especially when explaining a reason or purpose in detail.

Using “So That” + Clause for Clauses of Purpose

A slightly different way to show purpose is by using “so that” followed by a full clause. This method is often used when we want to show a purpose with a specific outcome or result, often including a modal verb like “can,” “could,” “will,” or “would.”

Examples:

“I am studying hard so that I can pass my exams.”
“She left early so that she could avoid traffic.”
“They brought an umbrella so that they wouldn’t get wet in the rain.”

This structure is especially helpful when you want to express purpose in a way that shows potential or hypothetical outcomes.

Comparing “To,” “In Order To,” and “So That”

Sometimes, it can be confusing to decide which structure to use for a clause of purpose. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Use “to” + verb for a simple, everyday purpose. Example: “I went outside to get some fresh air.”
Use “in order to” + verb when you want to sound more formal. Example: “She took a course in order to improve her skills.”
Use “so that” + clause when you need to show a possible result. Example: “They lowered their voices so that they wouldn’t disturb others.”

By choosing the right structure, you can make your sentence more precise and suited to the context.

Examples of Clauses of Purpose in Different Contexts

To understand how clauses of purpose work in everyday language, here are examples from different situations.

Clauses of Purpose in Daily Life

“I turned on the heater to warm up the room.”
“She bought new shoes so that she could run more comfortably.”

Clauses of Purpose in Academic Writing

“The researcher conducted experiments in order to understand the phenomenon better.”
“The study was designed so that it could be replicated by others.”

Clauses of Purpose in Business and Work

“We invested in new software to increase productivity.”
“The team held a meeting in order to discuss future projects.”

These examples show that clauses of purpose are versatile and can be used in many different settings, from everyday conversations to professional communication.

Practice Exercise: Creating Clauses of Purpose

Try creating your own sentences with clauses of purpose. Here are a few exercises to practice:

Write a sentence using “to” + verb. Example: “I set an alarm to wake up early.”
Write a sentence using “in order to” + verb. Example: “She studied every day in order to pass her test.”
Write a sentence using “so that” + clause. Example: “They brought a map so that they wouldn’t get lost.”

Practicing with different structures can help you feel more comfortable using clauses of purpose in various situations.

Summary of Clauses of Purpose

Clauses of purpose are essential for explaining why we do things. By using structures like “to” + verb, “in order to” + verb, and “so that” + clause, you can express purpose in clear and meaningful ways. Remember:

“To” + verb is simple and common.
“In order to” + verb is formal and precise.
“So that” + clause is great for showing potential outcomes.

Now that you understand clauses of purpose, you can use them to make your communication clearer and more effective. Try using these structures in your writing and speech to improve your English skills!