Clauses Expressing Purpose

Clauses of purpose are used to express the reason why someone does something. A clause of purpose answers the question: “Why?” or “For what purpose?” There are several ways to express purpose in English.

Using to + infinitive

Most common and simple way to show purpose. To + verb is informal and natural. Used when the subject is the same.

I left early to catch the train.
She whispered to avoid being overheard.
He studies hard to pass his exams.

Negative form is not to + Infinitive

I called early not to disturb them during breakfast.
She stayed quiet not to upset her parents.
I studied hard not to fail the exam.

in order to / so as to + Infinitive

Formal, often used when the subject of both clauses is the same.

I left early in order to catch the train.
She studies hard in order to pass her exams.
He lowered his voice so as to avoid disturbing the neighbors.
The instructions were simplified so as to make them easier to understand.

Negative form: in order not to, so as not to

He spoke quietly so as not to disturb anyone.
He left the office early in order not to miss the train.
I closed the window so as not to let in the cold air.

So that / In order that (Purpose Clauses with a Subject)

so that / in order that + subject + V1

Often used when the subject of the two clauses is different.

She spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.
The teacher repeated the lesson in order that the students might understand.
We left the house early in order that we might avoid traffic.
She lowered her voice in order that the children wouldn’t hear.

Purpose clauses often use modal verbs: can / could, will / would, may / might

He saved money so that he could travel abroad.
I left early so that I could catch the train.
She whispered so that nobody could hear her.
He studies hard so that he will pass the exam.

for the purpose of / for + -ing

Explains the purpose of an action. Formal or academic style.

This room is used for the purpose of meetings.
He went to the store for buying some ingredients.
She applied for a grant for research purposes.

for fear that / lest

Shows purpose in a negative sense, usually to avoid something.

Main clause + for fear that / lest + subject + verb

He spoke quietly for fear that someone might hear him.
She left early lest she be caught in traffic.
He spent whole days in his room, headphones on lest he disturb anyone.

lest is formal and mostly used in writing.

with the aim of / with a view to (formal)

Main clause + with the aim of / with a view to + verb-ing

Formal style, common in academic or professional contexts.

The program was designed with the aim of improving literacy.
He invested in the company with a view to expanding his business.

Tips for practice

Use to / in order to when the subject is the same in both clauses.

Use so that / in order that when the subjects are different.

Use for fear that / lest for negative purposes.

Use with the aim of / with a view to for formal/academic purposes.

Have Practice Using Clauses of Purpose

Task 1. Choose the correct variant.

1. We worked hard just before Christmas _____ we could really enjoy the holiday.

a. so that
b. to
c. in order to

2. John just popped out _____ the paper.

a. buy
b. to buy
c. for buy

3. Take your house keys in case I _____ out when you come back.

a. will go
b. went
c. have gone

4. This oven is used _____ bread.
a. for making
b. for make
c. to make

5. This bracelet is _____ Sarah. It’s her birthday tomorrow.
a. for
b. to
c. in order to

6. John whispered _____ disturb the other passengers on the flight.
a. for
b. so as not to
c. to

Clauses of Purpose Practice Worksheet

Task 1. Complete the sentences with the correct purpose clause. Use to / in order to / so that / for fear that / lest / with the aim of / for + -ing.

She left early ________ catch the first train.
I whispered quietly ________ nobody could hear me.
We took extra precautions ________ the experiment fail.
He studies every day ________ pass his exams.
They invested in renewable energy ________ reduce pollution.
She prepared detailed notes ________ her colleagues could understand the procedure.
I avoided the topic ________ causing an argument.
The company launched a new app ________ attract younger users.
He went to the library ________ study in peace.
She locked the door ________ anyone enter unexpectedly.
I brought a map ________ we wouldn’t get lost.
They hired a consultant ________ improve the company’s efficiency.
He turned off his phone ________ being disturbed during the meeting.
We organized a fundraiser ________ help local schools.
She wore sunglasses ________ people recognize her.
He left the party early ________ be caught in traffic.
I made a list ________ I wouldn’t forget anything.
The team trained daily ________ win the championship.
She applied for the scholarship ________ continue her studies abroad.
He kept silent ________ giving away his secret plan.
They redesigned the website ________ attract more customers.

Task 2. Choose the correct option.

I studied hard ________ (to / lest / with the aim of) passing the exam.
He left early ________ (so that / for fear that / in order to) catch the train.
She lowered her voice ________ (lest / to / for + -ing) anyone hear her.
The government introduced new laws ________ (in order to / to / for fear that) protect consumers.
I kept quiet ________ (so that / lest / with the aim of) not upsetting anyone.