Lesson

To..., for..., and so that... (purpose)

Purpose clauses

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Purpose: to, for, and so that

These structures explain why something is done. Use them to express purpose or intention in a sentence.

  • 'to' + infinitive: common for actions (short, direct).
  • 'for' + noun / for + someone + to + verb: expresses purpose with a noun or when indicating beneficiary.
  • 'so that' + clause (often with a modal): introduces a full clause explaining purpose or result.

Table

Purpose structures: To, For, So that

Structure Use Example
to + base verb Short purpose for an action I emailed the client to confirm the meeting.
for + noun / for + -ing Purpose expressed with a noun or gerund (often general) This tool is for data analysis.
for + someone + to + verb Purpose involving a person as beneficiary or agent I left a note for John to sign the contract.
so that + clause (often with modal: can/could/will/would) Full clause expressing purpose, often showing ability or result We postponed the launch so that the team could finish testing.
in order to + base verb More formal alternative to 'to' for purpose In order to comply with regulations, we updated the policy.

Tip

Key rule: Choose the right structure

Select the structure based on what follows and the level of formality:

  • Use 'to' + verb for direct, short purposes: We moved offices to reduce costs.
  • Use 'for' + noun or gerund for general purpose or when a noun follows: This meeting is for training staff.
  • Use 'for + someone + to + verb' when specifying who should do something: I arranged for her to present the report.
  • Use 'so that' + clause (often with modal) when you need a full clause to explain purpose: He left early so that he could catch his flight.

If you need formality, prefer 'in order to' instead of just 'to'.

Example

Examples in context

I called the supplier to confirm the shipment.

This software is for managing customer feedback.

I left the documents for Maria to review the contract.

They delayed the presentation so that the design team could finish the slides.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when expressing purpose:

  • Using 'for' directly before a bare infinitive (wrong): *for sign the contract → correct: to sign / for someone to sign.
  • Mixing 'so that' with no subject or verb (incomplete clause): *so that finish on time → needs a subject/modal.
  • Overusing 'in order to' in informal contexts — it's fine but more formal.
  • Using 'for' + verb-ing when you mean 'for someone to' (confusion between gerund and purpose clause).
  • Omitting 'to' before infinitive where required: He plans attend → He plans to attend.

Check the word that follows: noun/gerund vs infinitive vs full clause.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that uses 'so that' correctly to express purpose:

Hint: Check the clause after 'so that' — it needs a subject and verb or a modal.

Quiz

Complete: She left early _____ catch the earlier flight.

Hint: Think about the structure used for short purposes: to + verb

Quiz

Which sentence correctly uses 'for' to express purpose?

Hint: Look for 'for' followed by a noun or -ing form, not an infinitive.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

to

particle (infinitive marker) CEFR A2 //tuː//

Used before the base form of a verb to form the infinitive, often to express purpose.

We updated the process to improve efficiency.

GrammarPoint

for

preposition CEFR A2 //fɔːr//

Used before a noun or gerund to indicate purpose, benefit, or duration.

This budget is for marketing campaigns.

GrammarPoint

so that

conjunction CEFR B1 //səʊ ðæt//

Introduces a clause that explains purpose; often followed by a modal verb.

We hired extra staff so that we could meet the deadline.

Expression

in order to

expression CEFR B2 //ɪn ˈɔːrdər tuː//

A more formal way to express purpose, synonymous with 'to' but more emphatic.

In order to reduce costs, the company renegotiated supplier contracts.

Vocabulary

purpose

noun CEFR B1 //ˈpɜːrpəs//

The reason for which something is done or created.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the quarterly results.

Vocabulary

beneficiary

noun CEFR C1 //ˌbenɪˈfɪʃəri//

A person who receives benefit or advantage from an action.

The policy change was implemented for the beneficiaries of the program.