What Does "in order to" Mean?
- Grammatical function: "In order to" is a subordinating conjunction used to express purpose or intention. It explains the reason why an action is performed.
- Typical sentence position: It can appear in the initial position (to emphasize the goal) or the medial position (following the main clause).
- Register: It is generally considered formal or neutral. In casual speech, it is often shortened to the simple infinitive "to."
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: It is always followed by the base form of a verb (the bare infinitive). It is preceded by a main clause that describes an action.
- Punctuation rules: When "in order to" starts a sentence, a comma is required after the introductory purpose clause. When it appears in the middle of a sentence, no comma is usually necessary.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can be used at the start of a sentence for rhetorical effect. To negate the expression, use "in order not to" (e.g., "He ran in order not to be late").
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using "in order to" for simple, everyday actions can sound overly wordy (e.g., "I went to the kitchen in order to get water" is grammatically correct but stylistically heavy compared to "to get water").
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from in order to on Ludwig.guru.
"In order to remember, we must forget." — theguardian.com
"We withdrew in order to win"." — nytimes.com
"Help me in order to help you." — nytimes.com
"In order to pace ourselves." — theguardian.com
"We need desire in order to survive." — theguardian.com
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| so as to |
Similar in formality; often used to describe the intended result of an action. |
| to |
The most common, neutral alternative; suitable for almost any context. |
| so that |
Used when the subject of the purpose clause is different from the main clause. |
| for the purpose of |
Very formal and bureaucratic; usually followed by a gerund (-ing). |
| with a view to |
Formal; often implies a future goal or long-term plan. |
Common Mistakes
- Using the gerund: Learners often mistakenly follow it with a gerund (in order to doing) instead of the base form of the verb. Always use the infinitive (e.g., "in order to do").
- Redundancy: Using "in order to" when a simple "to" suffices can make writing feel cluttered, especially in informal emails.
- Incorrect negation: Placing the "not" after the "to" (in order to not) is common in modern English but "in order not to" is the preferred standard in formal writing.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| in order to |
Expresses purpose/intent |
Formal / Neutral |
Initial or Medial |
FAQs
Can I start a sentence with in order to?
Yes, in order to can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the purpose of an action. When used this way, ensure you place a comma after the purpose clause to separate it from the main clause.
What is the difference between in order to and the simple word to?
Both express purpose, but in order to is more formal and explicit, making it ideal for academic or professional writing. The simple to is more concise and is the standard choice for informal or everyday communication.
Should I use a gerund after in order to?
No, you should never follow in order to with a gerund (the -ing form). The expression must always be followed by the base form of the verb, such as "in order to achieve" rather than "in order to achieving."