"In order to" and "so as to" are common structures in English used to express purpose or intention behind an action. However, choosing the appropriate phrase depends on the context to ensure clarity and natural usage. In this article, IDP will help you understand how to use these structures correctly and how to distinguish between them.
1. What Are "In Order To" and "So As To"?
"In order to" means "to", "so that", or "for the purpose of". It is often followed by a bare infinitive verb to emphasize the purpose of the action.
Example:
She joined an online workshop in order to improve her communication skills.
"So as to" also means "to" or "in order to", and is used to indicate the purpose of an action. It is likewise followed by a bare infinitive verb.
Example:
She worked overtime so as to meet the project deadline.
Both expressions indicate purpose or intent behind an action.
2. How to Use "In Order To" and "So As To"
Although both structures share the same meaning, they are used in slightly different ways depending on the formality and structure of the sentence.
In Order To
Structure 1: Subject + verb + in order (not) to + verb (bare infinitive)
Example:
Jenny is studying hard in order to pass her final exams.
Structure 2: Subject + verb + in order + for someone + (not) to + verb (bare infinitive)
Example:
My father bought a new laptop in order for my brother to complete online classes.
So As To
Structure: Subject + verb + so as (not) to + verb (bare infinitive)
Example:
Emma practices yoga every morning so as to improve her physical and mental health.
3. Differences Between "In Order To" and "So As To"
While both are used to express purpose, they differ in tone and usage:
Criteria | In Order To | So As To |
|---|---|---|
Usage context | Common in both spoken and written English. | More formal; used mostly in academic or formal writing. |
Example | He worked two jobs in order to save for a house. | The company changed policies so as to improve output. |
4. Alternative Structures to Express Purpose
To avoid repetition, consider using these alternatives to express intention in a varied and natural way:
Structure | Example |
|---|---|
To + verb | Matt got up early to catch the bus. |
With the aim of + V-ing | She took a course with the aim of boosting her confidence. |
So that + clause | I adjusted my schedule so that I could focus on weak areas. |
In the hope of + V-ing | She started blogging in the hope of sharing her stories. |
With the intention of + V-ing | She moved to the city with the intention of starting a business. |
In the interest of + V-ing | The teacher gave an extension in the interest of helping students. |
For the purpose of + V-ing | He bought new tools for the purpose of improving productivity. |
In an effort to + V-inf | He rewrote his essay in an effort to achieve a better grade. |
5. Using "In Order To" and "So As To" in the IELTS Exam
Using these structures in IELTS can make your answers more sophisticated. Here's how to apply them effectively:
So As To in IELTS Writing
This formal structure is ideal for academic writing, such as task 2 essays or reports.
Examples:
Many people relocate to cities so as to access better job opportunities.
Governments should enforce stricter rules so as to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
In Order To in IELTS Speaking
This structure sounds more natural in speech and is useful for expressing goals or intentions during the speaking test.
Examples:
I plan my schedule carefully in order to balance study and personal life.
I watch English movies in order to improve my listening skills and vocabulary.
6. Notes When Using "In Order To" and "So As To"
To maintain sentence clarity and correctness, keep these points in mind:
The subject of both clauses should be the same.
Example:
I exercise daily in order to stay healthy. ✅
When combining two clauses with the same subject, remove the repeated subject and keep the verb in bare infinitive form.
Example:
She joined a singing class. She hopes to become a singer. → She joined a singing class in order to become a singer.
7. Practice Exercise: Complete Sentences Using "To", "In Order To", or "So As To"
Match Column A with Column B to create complete sentences:
Column A:
I hurried
We took off our boots
I'm saving money
Lynn unplugged the phone
I phoned the police station
The staff are working on weekends
I stood on tiptoes
Ali writes down his appointments
Tom turned on the radio
We wore warm clothes
Column B:
I want to go abroad for a holiday
We did not want to get cold
I wanted to report my car stolen
I did not want to be late for the meeting
I wanted to see the parade better
We didn’t want to dirty the floors
She didn’t want to be interrupted
They want to finish the project in time
He wanted to hear the football results
He doesn’t want to forget to go
Answers:
I hurried in order not to be late for the meeting.
We took off our boots so as not to make the floors dirty.
I'm saving money to go abroad for a holiday.
Lynn unplugged the phone in order not to be interrupted while working.
I phoned the police station to report that my car had been stolen.
The staff are working on weekends so as to complete the project in time.
I stood on tiptoes to see the parade better.
Ali writes down appointments in order not to forget to go.
Tom turned on the radio to hear the football results.
We wore warm clothes so as not to get cold.
Master "In Order To" and "So As To" with IDP
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to use in order to and so as to effectively in English. These structures are essential for expressing purpose clearly in both everyday communication and IELTS exams.
To enhance your English skills and prepare for the IELTS test, you can practice using IDP’s free study materials and take a computer-based IELTS mock test.
If you are planning to take the IELTS and want a convenient testing experience, IDP offers reliable computer-based IELTS tests with flexible schedules. You can choose between IELTS Academic and IELTS General, depending on your goals.
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and start your journey toward your target score!