/Linking Words
B1Linking Words

Purpose

1

What is it?

Expressions that explain the PURPOSE (WHY/what for) you do something. TO + INFINITIVE: "I study to improve" (most common, informal-formal). IN ORDER TO: "I study in order to improve" (more formal). SO AS TO: "I study so as to improve" (very formal/written). SO THAT + can/could/will/would: "I study so that I can improve" (emphasis on ability/result). FOR + noun/-ing: "This is for cutting" (what something is used for). These all answer the question "Why?" or "What for?"

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
TO + infinitiveI study to improve. / I went to buy milk. / She called to say hello.I left early (in order) not to be late.Why? - To improve.
IN ORDER TO (formal)I study in order to improve. / She saved money in order to travel.I left in order not to miss the bus.What for? - In order to learn.
SO THAT + modalI study so that I can improve. / I saved money so that I could travel.I left early so that I wouldn't be late.not commonly used
FOR + noun/-ingThis is for cutting. / I need it for work. / This tool is for opening bottles.not applicableWhat's this for? - For cutting.
  • • TO + base verb: most common → I study to improve (NOT for improve*)
  • • IN ORDER TO: more formal alternative → I study in order to improve
  • • SO AS TO: very formal/written → I arrived early so as to get a seat
  • • SO THAT: + subject + modal (can/could/will/would) → so that I can/could improve
  • • Negative: in order NOT to / so as NOT to / so that... won't/wouldn't
  • • FOR + noun: what something is used for → This is for cutting
  • • FOR + -ing: general use → This tool is for opening bottles
  • • NOT: for + infinitive* with purpose (use TO instead)
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    TO + infinitive — most common purpose

    "I study to improve my English." / "She went to buy food." / "He called to say hello." / "I need time to think."

  2. 2

    IN ORDER TO — more formal purpose

    "I study in order to improve." / "She saved money in order to travel." / "He exercises in order to stay healthy." / "They work hard in order to succeed."

  3. 3

    SO AS TO — very formal/written

    "I arrived early so as to get a good seat." / "He spoke slowly so as to be understood." / "She whispered so as not to wake the baby."

  4. 4

    SO THAT + modal — emphasize ability/result

    "I study so that I can improve." / "I saved money so that I could travel." / "Speak louder so that everyone can hear." / "I left early so that I wouldn't be late."

  5. 5

    FOR + noun — what something is used for

    "This is for cutting." / "I need money for food." / "This tool is for opening bottles." / "What's this for?" - "It's for cleaning."

  6. 6

    FOR + -ing — general use/function

    "This is for cutting bread." / "This app is for learning English." / "These shoes are for running."

4

Common mistakes

I study for improve my English.

I study to improve my English.

Use TO (not FOR) with verb for purpose.

I study for to improve.

I study to improve.

Don't use FOR with TO.

I study so that to improve.

I study so that I can improve. / I study to improve.

SO THAT needs subject + modal. Use TO for infinitive.

I left early for not miss the bus.

I left early in order not to miss the bus. / so as not to miss the bus.

Negative purpose: in order NOT to / so as NOT to.

5

Quick reference

  • TO + infinitive: most common → I study to improve
  • IN ORDER TO: formal → I study in order to improve
  • SO AS TO: very formal → I study so as to improve
  • SO THAT + modal: I study so that I can improve
  • FOR + noun/-ing: what it's used for → This is for cutting
  • Use TO (not FOR) with verbs for purpose
6

Natural conversation example

Preparing for a trip

T

Tom

Why are you packing so much?
L

Lisa

I'm bringing extra clothes in order to be prepared for any weather.
T

Tom

What's that tool for?
L

Lisa

It's for opening bottles. I also brought a flashlight so that we can see at night.
T

Tom

Smart! I'm bringing my phone to take photos and for navigation.
L

Lisa

Good idea. I'm leaving early so as to avoid traffic.
T

Tom

Me too. I want to arrive on time so that we don't miss the sunset.

Practice Exercises

Complete with a purpose expression.

  1. 1.
    I study improve my English.
  2. 2.
    I study
  3. 3.
    I study
  4. 4.
    This is cutting.
  5. 5.
    I left early
  6. 6.
    I saved money travel.
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