Purpose and Result: In Order To, So As To and So That
Express purpose and result with infinitive and finite clauses while controlling subject reference, negation, register, and punctuation.
Learning Objective
Purpose and Result: In Order To, So As To and So That
Choose a purpose or result structure that matches the subject, modality, register, and intended logical relation.
Clear Explanation
To, in order to, and so as to introduce infinitive purpose clauses whose understood subject normally matches the main-clause subject. So that introduces a finite clause and can have a different subject or an explicit modal.
Form and Structure
main clause + (in order/so as) to + base verb; main clause + so that + finite clause
“We left early in order to avoid traffic.”
So as to is relatively formal and can sound marked in conversation. In order to is useful for clarity or contrast but need not replace every simple purpose to-infinitive.
Meaning and Use
Subject control
Use a finite so that clause when the purpose performer differs from the main-clause subject.
“I opened the door so that the guests could enter.”
Negative purpose
Use in order not to or so as not to; not to alone can be ambiguous with a negative instruction.
“He paused so as not to sound impatient.”
Purpose versus result
Purpose is intended; result is an actual consequence and often uses so...that or such...that.
“It was so dark that we stopped.”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
I sent her the link to she could register.
I sent her the link so that she could register.
A different subject requires a finite purpose clause.
He whispered in order to not wake them.
He whispered in order not to wake them.
Place not before the to-infinitive in this formal negative-purpose pattern.
The road was icy in order that the school closed.
The road was so icy that the school closed.
The closure is a result, not an intended purpose.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“She lowered her voice so as not to interrupt.”
“I sent a map so that everyone could find the venue.”
Express three intentions with infinitive purpose clauses, two different-subject purposes with so that, and two unintended results.
Quick Recap
To, in order to, and so as to introduce infinitive purpose clauses whose understood subject normally matches the main-clause subject. So that introduces a finite clause and can have a different subject or an explicit modal.
Use a finite so that clause when the purpose performer differs from the main-clause subject.
So as to is relatively formal and can sound marked in conversation. In order to is useful for clarity or contrast but need not replace every simple purpose to-infinitive.
A different subject requires a finite purpose clause.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “We left early in order to avoid traffic.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “I sent her the link so that she could register.” is the recommended revision for “I sent her the link to she could register.”.
Express three intentions with infinitive purpose clauses, two different-subject purposes with so that, and two unintended results.
Continue at C1-C2 Level
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Purpose and Result: In Order To, So As To and So That?
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