Connectors of purpose

Presentation

To + infinitive

The most common way to express purpose in English is to + infinitive.

• The student worked hard to pass the test. 

In order to/so as to + infinitive

In order to or so as to + infinitive are more common in formal English, mainly in writing. The negative forms are in order not to and so as not to + infinitive.

• We were asked to stay in order to finish the project. 
• He left home early in order not to be late.
• Use a plastic hammer so as to avoid damage. 
• They walked quietly so as not to wake up the children. 

We can also use the structure in order for someone/something to do something.

• We need to mobilize the media in order for the Government to listen to us.
• Three different surgeries were necessary in order for him to survive.

So that + clause

We can also use so that + subject + verb to express purpose. We normally use a modal verb with this connector, e.g. could, can, would, etc.

• We left early so that we could park near the centre. 
• He made some flashcards so that it would be easier for his mum to remember the instructions. 

For + noun

We can also use for + noun to express purpose.

• We went to the bar for a drink.
• Would you like to go to the park for a run?

We can use for + –ing verb (instead of to + infinitive) to talk about the purpose of an object or action when we use the verb used or when we imply it.

• This knife is (used) for cutting plastic.
• Schools are for educating, not for entertaining.

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In case + clause

To express purpose, we can also use in case + subject + verb. We use this form to talk about precautions, when we do something because something we don’t want might happen. 

• Take an umbrella in case it rains. (=Take an umbrella so that you won’t get wet if it rains)
• I won’t tell Ann in case she tells everyone else. 

We can also use with the aim of + noun to express the intention behind an action.

With the aim of + noun

We can also use with the aim of + noun to express the intention behind an action.

• Sarah moved to London with the aim of finding a better job. 
• She started the NGO with the aim of helping disabled people.

For the purpose of + noun

We can also use for the purpose of + noun to express the reason for which something exists or is done.

• They organised the meeting for the purpose of brainstorming the problem.

For the sake of + noun

We can also use for the sake of + noun to express the reason for doing something, often for the benefit of someone or something.

• They stayed together for the sake of the children.
• Peter had married Fiona in the first place for the sake of her father's property.

With the intention of + noun

We can also use with the intention of + noun to express the purpose or plan behind an action. 

• He went to Brazil with the intention of seeing the great carnival.
• She set up the shop with the intention of selling.

For the benefit of + noun

We can also use for the benefit of + noun to indicate that something is done to help or benefit someone. 

• The company owner sponsored recreational and social activities for the benefit of his workers. 

In a bid to + infinitive

We can also use in a bid to + infinitive to indicate an attempt to achieve something. 

• The magazine plans to change its image in a bid to atract more viewers. 
• Sonya went on a diet in a bid to lose some weight before  summer.

For the reason that + clause

We can also use for the reason of + noun to express the purpose behind an action. 

• The rights of women should be protected for the reason that they bear the responsibility of reproduction of human beings.
• Mary declined the offer for the reason that it didn't align her goals. 

In the hope of + noun

We can use in the hope of + noun to express the desired outcome of an action. 

• He applied for the jobs in the hope of advancing his career. 
• Thomas took a business risk in the hope of making a profit.

With the objective of + noun

We can also use with the objective of + noun to indicate  the goal behind an action. 

• They held a meeting with the objective of resolving the issue. 
• The intention of the website is to attract young people looking for jobs with the objective of providing quick and basic answers to queries.

For the express purpose of + noun

We can use for the express purpose of + noun to emphasize the specific reason for doing something.

• She  travelled to the city for the express purpose of attending the conference.
• I got my first professional camera for the express purpose of taking photos of parks and gardens. 

In the interest of + noun

We can use in the interest of + noun to indicate that something is done for the benefit of someone or something. 

• The policy was implemented in the interest of attending public safety.
• The positions were created in the interest of clients.

With the goal of + noun

We can use with the goal of + noun to express the aim or  target of an action.

• He started a business with the goal of becoming financially independent. 
• The book was developed by a team of translators in the interest of with the goal of being understandable to contemporary readers.

In an attempt to + noun

We can use in an attempt to + infinitive to show the purpose of trying to achieve something. 

• She changed her diet in an attempt to becoming improve her health.
• He cut the rope in an attempt to free his feet. .

In the pursuit of + noun

We can use in the pursuit of + noun to indicate the purpose of striving for something. 

• She dedicated her life to science in the pursuit of knowledge.
• Jim never spared himself in the pursuit of excellence. 

With the desire to + infinitive

We can use with the desire to + infinitive to express the wish or intention behind an action.

• He took up painting with the desire to express his creativity.
• Her fingers nerviously itched with the desire to  of slap his face.

In the quest for + noun

We can use in the quest for + noun to indicate the purpose of searching for something.

• She travelled ther world in the quest for adventure.
• Many people are ready to changer their lifestyle in the quest for a longer life.

With the aspiration to + infinitive

We can use with the aspiration to + infinitive to express the hope or ambition behind an action. 

• They launched the project with the aspiration to positively impact the environment.

In the effort to + infinitive

We can use in the effort to + infinitive to show the purpose of trying to achieve something.

• They collaborated in the effort to support local charities.

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