The infinitive of purpose is a grammatical construction used to explain the reason or purpose behind an action. A common and explicit way to express this is by using the phrase "in order to," which is typically followed by the base form of a verb (e.g., "in order to run," "in order to learn"). This structure provides clarity and a slightly more formal tone compared to its simpler counterpart, the "to" infinitive.
Grammatical Structure and Usage
The fundamental structure of the infinitive of purpose with "in order to" is:
Main Clause + in order to + Base Form of the Verb
For instance, in the sentence, "She studied diligently in order to pass the exam," the main clause is "She studied diligently," and the infinitive phrase "in order to pass the exam" explains the purpose of her studying.
"In order to" can be positioned either in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence.
* In the middle: He woke up early in order to catch the first train.
* At the beginning: In order to catch the first train, he woke up early.
When "in order to" and the clause it introduces begin a sentence, a comma is placed after the clause.
"In Order To" vs. "To"
In many cases, "in order to" can be shortened to just "to" without a significant change in meaning, although this can make the sentence less formal.
* Formal: They saved money in order to buy a house.
* Less Formal: They saved money to buy a house.
Both sentences correctly express the purpose of saving money. The choice between them often depends on the desired level of formality.
The Negative Form: "In Order Not To"
To express a negative purpose, the construction "in order not to" is used.
* Example: She spoke quietly in order not to wake the baby.
This form is a clear and grammatically sound way to state the purpose of avoiding a particular outcome.
Key Points to Remember:
* Clarity of Purpose: "In order to" explicitly signals the reason for an action, leaving no room for ambiguity.
* Formality: It is often preferred in more formal writing and speech.
* Sentence Placement: It offers flexibility in sentence structure, allowing for placement at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
* Negative Purpose: "In order not to" is the standard form for expressing a negative intention.
* Alternative with "So That": When the subject of the main clause and the purpose clause are different, "so that" is typically used. For example, "He gave her his notes so that she could study for the test."
By mastering the use of "in order to," you can add precision and variety to your English writing and speaking, clearly articulating the motivations behind actions.
Here is a helpful video that further explains the concept of expressing purpose in English, including the use of "in order to."
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