What does In Order To mean? A detailed guide on its usage in English

The phrase In order to is often used in English to express the purpose behind an action. This phrase is a key element in everyday communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning of in order to, how it is used, and its grammatical structure.

I. In Order To definition 

In order to meaning in English is to convey the purpose of an action. It functions as a conjunction in a sentence, typically followed by the infinitive form of a verb. Here are some In Order To example sentences:

• Bella is saving money in order to buy a new house. 

• Anna studies English hard in order to find a good job. 

II. How to Use In Order To in a sentence

Understanding how In order to fits into a sentence is crucial for mastering its use. In Order To grammar is divided into two cases in which this structure is applied:

1. Purpose directed at the subject

When the goal of the action is aimed at the subject, In order to is combined with the infinitive form of the verb. The formula is as follows:

S + V + in order (not) to + V(inf) = to do something to...

For example:

• John updated his CV in order to look for a new job. 

• Sophia is following a diet in order to lose weight. 

Note: In order to connects two simple sentences with the same subject, with the subject in the second sentence typically omitted.

2. Purpose directed at an object

When the purpose is directed at another object (someone or something else), the structure changes to "In order for somebody to ". The formula is:

S + V + in order + for somebody + (not) + to + V(inf) = to do something for someone...

For example:

• She works hard in order for her children not to worry about money. 

• He saved money in order for his family to go on vacation.

IV. In Order To thesaurus

There are several phrases that can be used interchangeably with In order to. These alternatives are useful for varying your language while expressing purpose:

1. To V

This is the simplest form and often used in place of In order to.

Formula:

S + V + to + V (inf)

For example:

• The PREP company decided to hire more employees to expand its business. 

• I need to study harder to pass the TOEIC test. 

Note: Do not use "to" as a substitute for the negative form of In order to sentence.

2. So as to

"So as to" has a similar meaning to in order to and expresses purpose. It is typically used in more formal contexts. This phrase is used in sentences to express the purpose of an action that has been mentioned, and it can also be used to connect two clauses with the same subject.

Formula:

S + V + so as (not) to + V(inf) = to do something...

For example:

• I’m learning German so as to communicate with locals when I travel. 

• We bought a travel guide so as not to get lost in the city. 

For example:

• I’m learning German so as to communicate with locals when I travel. 

• We bought a travel guide so as not to get lost in the city. 

3. So that/ In order that

Both so that and in order that also express purpose. These can be used with modal verbs (like will, can, would, etc.). Note that after In Order To, the verb is in the infinitive form, while after "In order that," a complete clause follows.

Formula:

S1 + V1 + so that/in order that + S2 + will/would/can/could + (not) + V2.

For example: 

• I booked a hotel near the beach so that I could swim every day.

• I packed light in order that I could carry her own luggage.

4. With an aim of + V(ing)

This structure means "for the purpose of" and can also express purpose.

Formula:

With an aim of V-ing, S + V + …

For example:

• She went to Australia with an aim of experiencing a different culture.

• He applied to several universities in the US with an aim of pursuing a master's degree in computer science.

5. With a view to + V(ing)

Similar to With an aim of, this phrase means "for the purpose of".

Formula:

With a view to V(ing) + S + V + ….

For example:

• With a view to getting a promotion, she decided to take some additional courses.

• John is studying a new programming language with a view to finding a better job.

V. Exercises on In Order To with Answers

Now that you have a solid understanding of how In order to works, it's time to practice. Use the exercises provided to reinforce your knowledge and improve your ability to use this phrase effectively in sentences.

Exercise: Use In Order To to rewrite the sentences.

1. William bought a lot of imported fruits. He will go to visit his grandparents today.

2. Susan takes off her coat. Susan was feeling hot.

3. Harry bought a new blender because he wanted to give it to his girlfriend.

4. Jessica is studying hard because she wants to become a famous scholar. 

5. My younger sister should apply sunscreen so that she won’t get sunburnt. 

6. Peter is dieting. Peter wants to lose 7kg.

7. Jenny needs to buy some gorgeous outfits. She will go to the year-end party this month. 

8. My mother taught me how to cook. She wants me to help her with preparing dinner. 

9. My older brother should get up earlier if he doesn’t want to be late for work.

10. Sarah turns off the TV. She wants to focus on reading a comic. 

Answers: 

1. William bought a lot of imported fruits in order to visit his grandparents.

2. Susan takes off her coat in order not to feel hot.

3. Harry bought a new blender in order to give it to his girlfriend.

4. Jessica is studying hard in order to become a famous scholar.

5. My younger sister should apply sunscreen in order not to get sunburnt.

6. Peter is dieting in order to lose 7kg.

7. Jenny needs to buy some gorgeous outfits in order to go to the year-end party this month.

8. My mother taught me how to cook in order to help her with preparing dinner. 

9. My older brother should get up earlier in order not to be late for work. 

10. Sarah turns off the TV in order to focus on reading a comic. 

This article has given you a comprehensive overview of In order to, including its meaning, structure, and alternatives. We hope you find these tips helpful and easy to apply as you continue your journey with English. Stay tuned for more practical advice and language structures from PREP!