2月24日号：Expressing purpose (2) — in order to and so as to

Last time, we looked at using to and for to express purpose. Today, let’s look at some other ways we can express purpose.

In addition to using to + infinitive, we can also use in order to + infinitive. While the meaning is the same, in order to sounds more formal than to.

◆ I’m going to the library to borrow some books. (more casual)

◆ I’m going to the library in order to borrow some books. (more formal)

◆ She borrowed some money from her parents to pay her rent. (more casual)

◆ She borrowed some money from her parents in order to pay her rent. (more formal)

However, with a negative infinitive, it usually sounds more natural to use in order not to + infinitive or in order to not + infinitive.

◆ I am very careful about my diet in order not to gain any weight.

◆ In order to not get lost, please carry a map with you.

◆ I always set two alarm clocks in order not to oversleep.

Another way we can express purpose is with so as to + infinitive.

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