How to Use ‘So that’ and ‘In order to’ in English

The English language is rich with nuances, and understanding the subtle differences between phrases can significantly enhance one’s communication skills. Two such phrases that often cause confusion among learners are ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’. While both expressions serve the purpose of indicating intention or purpose, they are used in slightly different contexts and structures.

‘So that’ is typically followed by a clause, which includes a subject and a verb, making it more versatile in complex sentences. On the other hand, ‘in order to’ is generally followed by the base form of a verb, making it more straightforward and direct. The distinction between these two phrases is not merely academic; it has practical implications for effective communication.

For instance, ‘so that’ often implies a result or consequence, while ‘in order to’ focuses more on the intention behind an action. Understanding when to use each phrase can help speakers convey their messages more clearly and accurately, whether in writing or conversation. This article will delve deeper into the usage of both expressions, providing examples and practical tips for mastering their application. Are you ready for your next chapter? Your journey to fluent English begins here at NLS, Oslo’s trusted language school.

Summary

• ‘So that’ and ‘in order to’ are both used to express purpose or intention in a sentence.
• ‘So that’ is used to show the result or outcome of an action, while ‘in order to’ is used to indicate the purpose or goal of an action.
• Example of using ‘so that’: “I turned off the lights so that we could save energy.”
• Example of using ‘in order to’: “I studied hard in order to pass my exams.”
• When writing formally, it is advisable to use ‘in order to’ instead of ‘so that’ to express purpose.
• In informal conversation, ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ can be used interchangeably to express purpose.
• Common mistakes to avoid include using ‘so that’ when ‘in order to’ is more appropriate, and vice versa.
• ‘So that’ and ‘in order to’ can be used in complex sentences to express multiple purposes or intentions.
• ‘So that’ and ‘in order to’ can be used with modal verbs to express possibility, necessity, or permission.
• Practice exercises can help improve the understanding and usage of ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ in English.

Using ‘so that’ to express purpose or intention

The phrase ‘so that’ is commonly employed to express purpose or intention in a way that highlights the outcome of an action. It introduces a subordinate clause that explains why something is done, often indicating a desired result. For example, one might say, “I am studying hard so that I can pass my exams.” In this sentence, the purpose of studying hard is clearly linked to the intention of passing exams, showcasing the cause-and-effect relationship inherent in the use of ‘so that’.

Moreover, ‘so that’ can also introduce clauses that express conditions or possibilities. For instance, “I will leave early so that I can avoid traffic” not only indicates the intention behind leaving early but also suggests a condition that must be met for the desired outcome to occur. This flexibility makes ‘so that’ a valuable tool for expressing complex ideas and intentions in both spoken and written English.

Using ‘in order to’ to express purpose or intention

Conversely, ‘in order to’ serves a similar function but does so in a more straightforward manner. It is typically used to express purpose directly and is followed by the base form of a verb. For example, one might say, “I exercise regularly in order to stay healthy.” Here, the phrase succinctly conveys the intention behind exercising without delving into the complexities of cause and effect.

The use of ‘in order to’ often lends a formal tone to writing and speech, making it particularly suitable for academic or professional contexts. It allows speakers and writers to articulate their intentions clearly and concisely. For instance, “The company implemented new policies in order to improve employee satisfaction” demonstrates how this phrase can effectively communicate a specific purpose in a business setting.

Examples of using ‘so that’ in sentences

To illustrate the versatility of ‘so that’, consider the following examples: “She saves money so that she can travel the world.” In this sentence, the saving of money is directly linked to the intention of travelling, highlighting the desired outcome. Another example could be, “He studies every night so that he can achieve his career goals.” Here again, the phrase effectively connects the action of studying with the intended result of achieving career aspirations. Additionally, ‘so that’ can be used in more complex sentences to convey multiple layers of meaning.

For instance, “They organised a charity event so that they could raise funds for local shelters and also raise awareness about homelessness.” This example not only shows the primary intention but also hints at secondary goals, demonstrating how ‘so that’ can enrich communication by adding depth to the purpose expressed.

Examples of using ‘in order to’ in sentences

When using ‘in order to’, clarity and directness are paramount. For example, “She took a course in order to enhance her skills.” This sentence clearly states her intention without any additional complexity. Another example could be, “He moved to London in order to pursue his dream job.” Here, the phrase succinctly conveys his purpose for relocating.

Moreover, ‘in order to’ can be effectively used in various contexts to emphasise intent. For instance, “The team worked overtime in order to meet the project deadline” illustrates a clear purpose behind their extra effort. Such examples highlight how ‘in order to’ can be employed across different scenarios while maintaining clarity and focus on the intended action.

Using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ in formal writing

In formal writing, both ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ have their places, but their usage may depend on the context and tone required. ‘In order to’ is often favoured in academic papers or professional reports due to its straightforward nature and formal tone. For instance, one might write, “The research was conducted in order to determine the effects of climate change on biodiversity.” This construction presents a clear purpose while maintaining an academic tone.

Conversely, ‘so that’ can also be effectively used in formal writing but may lend a slightly more conversational tone. For example, “The committee met regularly so that they could discuss important issues.” While still appropriate for formal contexts, this phrasing may feel less rigid than its counterpart. Ultimately, understanding when to use each phrase can enhance the overall quality of formal writing by ensuring clarity and appropriateness.

Using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ in informal conversation

In informal conversation, both phrases can be used interchangeably; however, their nuances may influence which one feels more natural in a given context. ‘So that’ tends to be more common in everyday speech due to its conversational tone. For instance, one might say, “I’m going to bed early so that I can wake up refreshed.” This casual structure fits well within informal dialogue.

On the other hand, while ‘in order to’ can also be used in conversation, it may come across as slightly more formal or deliberate. An example might be, “I’m saving money in order to buy a new car.” While perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, it may sound more polished than necessary for everyday exchanges. Ultimately, choosing between these phrases in informal settings often depends on personal style and the context of the conversation.

Common mistakes to avoid when using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’

When using ‘so that’, one common mistake is failing to include a subject and verb in the clause that follows it. For example, saying “I study so that” without completing the thought leaves the listener hanging and creates confusion. It is essential always to follow ‘so that’ with a complete clause for clarity.

Similarly, with ‘in order to’, learners often mistakenly use it with a subject or auxiliary verb instead of directly following it with a base verb. An incorrect example would be “In order for him to succeed,” which should instead be phrased as “In order to succeed.” Being mindful of these common pitfalls will help learners use both phrases correctly and effectively.

Using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ in complex sentences

Both ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ can be effectively integrated into complex sentences, allowing for richer expression of ideas. For instance, one might say, “She enrolled in advanced classes so that she could gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.” This sentence showcases how ‘so that’ can connect multiple ideas within a single structure. Similarly, complex sentences using ‘in order to’ can convey intricate intentions as well.

For example, “He studied multiple languages in order to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.” This construction not only highlights his intention but also adds depth by illustrating the broader context of his actions.

Using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ with modal verbs

When incorporating modal verbs into sentences with ‘so that’ or ‘in order to’, it is crucial to maintain grammatical accuracy. With ‘so that’, one might say, “I will save money so that I can travel next year.” Here, the modal verb ‘can’ follows ‘so that’ appropriately. In contrast, when using ‘in order to’ with modal verbs, it typically requires restructuring the sentence slightly.

For instance, instead of saying “I will study hard in order to can pass my exams,” one should say “I will study hard in order to be able to pass my exams.” This adjustment ensures grammatical correctness while still conveying the intended purpose.

Practice exercises for using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ in English

To reinforce understanding and application of these phrases, engaging in practice exercises can be highly beneficial. One exercise could involve completing sentences using either ‘so that’ or ‘in order to’. For example: “She wakes up early _______ (to/so that) she can exercise before work.” Another exercise could involve rewriting sentences by substituting one phrase for another while maintaining meaning: “He studies hard so that he can achieve good grades” could be rewritten as “He studies hard in order to achieve good grades.” Additionally, learners could create their own sentences using both phrases based on personal experiences or aspirations.

This not only solidifies understanding but also encourages practical application in real-life contexts. In conclusion, mastering the use of ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding their differences and applications across various contexts—be it formal writing or informal conversation—learners can enhance their language skills significantly.

For those looking to improve their English proficiency further, courses at NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo offer excellent opportunities for learning these nuances alongside other essential language skills. With experienced instructors and tailored programmes designed for various levels of learners, NLS provides an ideal environment for mastering English and achieving fluency.

Ready to master English? Enroll now at NLS.