Clause of purpose

We use certain clauses to show why somebody does something. These are called clauses of purpose. They are introduced with the following words or expressions:

to + infinitive; David went out to buy a bottle of wine.

in order to/so as to + infinitive (formal); We were asked to say over in order to finish the project.

so that + can/will – used for a present or future reference; Here’s my number so that you can call me if you have a problem.

so that +could/would – used for a past reference; We left early so that we would be able to park close to the stadium.

in case + present tense – present or future reference – Take your hat in case it gets too hot.

in case + past tense – used for past reference – We took an umbrella in case it rained.

for + noun – used to express purpose – We went out for a pizza.

for + -ing – used to express purpose and/or function of something – This function on the air conditioner is for reducing humidity.

Negatives

For negative purpose we use:

in order not to/so as not to + infinitive – we walked in quietly so as not to wake up the children.

prevent + noun/pronoun + from + ing – I parked the car under a tree to prevent it from getting too hot.

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Choose the correct phrase for the following:

• 1. We worked hard just before Christmas _ we could really enjoy the holiday.
  
  so that
  in order to
  to
  
  
• 2. John just popped out _ the paper.
  
  for buy
  buy
  to buy
  
  
• 3. Take your house keys in case I _ out when you come back.
  
  went
  have gone
  will go
  
  
• 4. This oven is used _ bread.
  
  for making
  for make
  to make
  
  
• 5. This bracelet is _ Sarah. It’s her birthday tomorrow.
  
  in order to
  for
  to
  
  
• 6. John whispered _ disturb the other passengers on the flight.
  
  to
  for
  so as not to