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Conjunctions of Purpose

UPJV

Created on March 30, 2026

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Conjunctions of Purpose

Connecting your actions to your goals in English

Why do we use Conjunctions of Purpose?

Defining 'Why' When we explain the reason or goal behind an action, we use conjunctions of purpose. In French, you often use 'pour' or 'afin de', but English offers several nuances depending on whether you follow with a verb, a noun, or a full clause. Common Examples

  • "I study biology in order to become a doctor."
  • "She saved money so that her kids could go to university."
  • "He avoids sugar so as not to gain weight."

Essential Vocabulary for Context

1.

a)

In a way that is appropriate for the situation

Consol

2.

Accordingly

b)

To make an effort to avoid something

3.

c)

To comfort someone during a difficult time

Steer clear of

4.

d)

Doing something to help or benefit another person

For someone's sake

Essential Vocabulary for Context

βœ…β€‹

1.

Consol

c)

To comfort someone during a difficult time

2.

Accordingly

a)

In a way that is appropriate for the situation

3.

b)

To make an effort to avoid something

Steer clear of

For someone's sake

4.

d)

Doing something to help or benefit another person

Using 'To', 'In order to', and 'So as to'

Infinitive Focus These are followed by a base verb. 'To' is informal, while 'in order to' and 'so as to' are more formal.

Negative Purpose To be negative, we MUST use 'so as not to' or 'in order not to'. We rarely use 'not to' alone.

The 'For' Exception Use 'for' + noun or gerund. Example: 'I chose this degree for a better career' or 'This is for baking.'

Connecting Different Subjects: 'So That' Using a Clause When the person performing the action is different from the person affected by the purpose, we use so that followed by a full sentence (Subject + Verb). Modal Verbs We usually follow 'so that' with modals like can, could, will, or would.

  • "History is taught so that we can react accordingly to current issues."
  • "I gave her a cake so that she would feel better."

Spotting Grammatical Errors

The sentence 'I walked in quietly so as don't disturb others' is grammatically correct.

πŸ‘β€‹

πŸ‘Žβ€‹

TRUE

FALSE

Now it's time to explain why...

Spotting Grammatical Errors

The sentence 'I walked in quietly so as don't disturb others' is grammatically correct.

πŸ‘Žβ€‹

Why is that? a) The word 'quietly' should be at the end of the sentence. b) You must use 'so as not to' before a verb, not 'don't'.

Answers on the next slide...

Spotting Grammatical Errors

βœ…β€‹

The sentence 'I walked in quietly so as don't disturb others' is grammatically correct.

πŸ‘Žβ€‹

Why is that? a) The word 'quietly' should be at the end of the sentence. b) You must use 'so as not to' before a verb, not 'don't'. βœ…β€‹

In order for...

Sometimes we want to use 'in order' but the subject changes. We use: In order for [someone] to [do something].

Example: 'The government changed the law in order for citizens to stay safe online.'

Structuring the Sentence

Answers on the next slide...

Arrange these words to explain why someone might learn history.

steer clear of

in order to

making similar mistakes.

We need to know the past

Structuring the Sentence

βœ…β€‹

Arrange these words to explain why someone might learn history.

We need to know the past

1.

in order to

2.

steer clear of

3.

making similar mistakes.

4.

The Purpose of Education

Why do schools require us to study subjects like PE, Geography, or Chemistry? Use conjunctions of purpose (so as to, so that, for the sake of) in your answer.

The Purpose of Education

βœ…β€‹

You might have said... Schools include PE classes to keep students fit and healthy. Geography helps us know where to go when traveling. We perform chemistry experiments to see how substances react. Students revise to avoid failing their final exams.

Lesson Summary

Key Takeaways

  • To / In order to / So as to + Verb: Expressing intent.
  • So as not to / In order not to: Avoiding outcomes.
  • So that + Subject + Modal: When the result involves another person or ability.
  • For + Noun: General purpose or benefit.
Critical Thinking Remember that 'purpose' isn't just about why we do something, but also what we hope to avoid.

Thank you for taking the course!