23 Other Ways to Say “In Order To”
“In order to” is a widely used phrase that signals purpose, intention, or a goal behind an action. For instance, when someone says, “She studied all night in order to pass the exam,” it clearly links the effort with the desired outcome. While the phrase is grammatically correct and functional in both casual and formal contexts, relying too heavily on it can make your writing repetitive or overly mechanical.
This article explores 23 alternative expressions that can serve as effective substitutes for “in order to,” offering both nuance and variety in tone depending on the formality of the situation. Whether you’re drafting a business report, crafting an academic essay, or simply trying to sound more natural in conversation, this list will help broaden your vocabulary for expressing purpose.
Other Ways to Say “In Order To”
1. So that
Example: “She adjusted the settings so that the image appeared clearer.”
Meaning: Indicates a specific purpose or desired result following an action.
Usage: Common in both formal and informal language, especially when explaining cause and effect.
2. To
Example: “He left early to catch the train.”
Meaning: A simple and direct way to show intent or purpose.
Usage: Frequently used in both spoken and written English as a clean, concise alternative to “in order to.”
3. For the purpose of
Example: “These tools are designed for the purpose of increasing efficiency.”
Meaning: Clearly communicates the intention behind an action or design.
Usage: Preferred in formal or instructional writing where clarity is paramount.
4. So as to
Example: “They arrived early so as to get good seats.”
Meaning: Indicates intentionality behind a decision or action.
Usage: Often used in formal writing or when emphasizing the motivation behind a choice.
5. With the intention of
Example: “She joined the committee with the intention of improving communication.”
Meaning: Highlights a deliberate plan or motivation behind a specific action.
Usage: Effective in academic and professional writing to convey forethought.
6. With the aim of
Example: “The program was launched with the aim of reducing waste.”
Meaning: Similar to “with the intention of,” but often used when discussing larger-scale initiatives or goals.
Usage: Formal contexts such as business proposals or governmental plans.
7. In an effort to
Example: “In an effort to save time, they implemented a new process.”
Meaning: Emphasizes that a particular action was taken as a proactive or strategic step toward a goal.
Usage: Common in formal writing, particularly when discussing projects, changes, or campaigns.
8. In an attempt to
Example: “He spoke slowly in an attempt to be understood more clearly.”
Meaning: Suggests a trial or effort made to accomplish something, sometimes implying it may not succeed.
Usage: Often used in explanatory or narrative writing to detail motivations.
9. For the sake of
Example: “She made the sacrifice for the sake of her children’s education.”
Meaning: Focuses on the beneficiary or reason behind the action.
Usage: Can be emotional or persuasive in tone; used in both formal and personal contexts.
10. For the goal of
Example: “They trained for months for the goal of winning the tournament.”
Meaning: Ties an action directly to a specific achievement or objective.
Usage: Common in motivational, sports-related, or productivity-oriented language.
11. So you can / So he could / So they would
Example: “He simplified the instructions so anyone could follow them.”
Meaning: Introduces the expected result that benefits another party.
Usage: Especially natural in conversational English or explanatory writing.
12. To ensure that
Example: “Please double-check the form to ensure that all fields are complete.”
Meaning: Expresses the purpose of verifying or confirming a result.
Usage: Common in instructions or professional communications where accuracy matters.
13. To make sure
Example: “He practiced several times to make sure he wouldn’t forget his lines.”
Meaning: Indicates a preventative action taken to guarantee a certain outcome.
Usage: Frequently used in everyday language, but can also appear in professional speech depending on tone.
14. For the intention of
Example: “The law was introduced for the intention of protecting public health.”
Meaning: Shows clearly defined purpose or reasoning behind an action or policy.
Usage: Formal tone, often used in governmental or legal language.
15. With a view to
Example: “The project was initiated with a view to expanding international partnerships.”
Meaning: Suggests forward planning or long-term goals tied to the action.
Usage: Typically found in British English and in strategic or corporate planning contexts.
16. As a means of
Example: “He used storytelling as a means of teaching complex topics.”
Meaning: Emphasizes the method or medium chosen to achieve a goal.
Usage: Often used in educational, technical, or formal analytical writing.
17. As a way to
Example: “She volunteered as a way to meet new people.”
Meaning: Highlights the method or path chosen to fulfill a purpose.
Usage: More conversational than “as a means of,” but equally effective in most settings.
18. In hopes of
Example: “He submitted the manuscript in hopes of getting published.”
Meaning: Suggests a goal or dream the speaker aspires to, with uncertain results.
Usage: Often used when there’s an emotional or uncertain outcome involved.
19. So as not to
Example: “She whispered so as not to wake the baby.”
Meaning: Indicates an action taken with the goal of avoiding something.
Usage: Slightly more formal, often seen in careful or tactful expression.
20. In the interest of
Example: “In the interest of fairness, both parties were given equal time.”
Meaning: Ties the action to a higher cause, value, or ethical principle.
Usage: Formal contexts, especially in legal, academic, or organizational policy.
21. With the purpose of
Example: “They met with the purpose of drafting a proposal.”
Meaning: Expresses the main aim or reason for doing something.
Usage: Formal and professional language, suitable for documents and meetings.
22. For the benefit of
Example: “The new policy was enacted for the benefit of all employees.”
Meaning: Centers the action around who it is meant to help or improve.
Usage: Used in policies, legal writing, or statements addressing community welfare.
23. As part of an effort to
Example: “As part of an effort to improve public transportation, the city launched a new bus route.”
Meaning: Suggests the action is one of several steps within a larger goal.
Usage: Common in public communication, project planning, and formal announcements.
When to Use Different “In Order To” Alternatives
In Professional Settings
In corporate or business writing, precision, tone, and professionalism are critical, so using expressions like “with the aim of,” “in the interest of,” or “as part of an effort to” helps maintain a polished tone that aligns with strategic communication practices.
In Everyday Conversations
For casual dialogue or informal writing, simpler choices such as “to,” “so that,” or “as a way to” work best, as they naturally blend into daily speech and still clearly communicate purpose without sounding overstructured or forced.
In Academic or Research Contexts
Academic writing benefits from alternatives like “with the intention of,” “as a means of,” or “to ensure that,” because they carry a more analytical tone and support the logical flow of arguments, particularly when discussing methods, hypotheses, or conclusions.
Conclusion
While “in order to” is a grammatically sound and clear way to express purpose, overuse can lead to repetition and stylistic blandness in your writing or speech. Fortunately, the English language offers a wide array of equally valid and often more precise alternatives that serve the same function while adding variation and tone. Whether you’re writing for academic purposes, drafting a professional report, or simply improving your fluency, these expressions offer a valuable way to enhance clarity and intentionality in communication.
If you’re looking to broaden your vocabulary even further, consider using online thesauruses or grammar platforms to explore more real-world examples and usage guides for phrases related to purpose and intention.
FAQs
What does “in order to” mean?
“In order to” means that an action is done with the purpose of achieving something else—it links a cause and effect.
Is “in order to” formal?
Yes, “in order to” is generally considered formal, but it is still acceptable in both formal and informal situations.
Can I just use “to” instead of “in order to”?
In most cases, yes. “To” is a simpler and equally effective alternative, though “in order to” might be preferred when emphasizing intentionality or avoiding ambiguity.
Is it wrong to use “in order to” repeatedly in essays?
It’s not grammatically wrong, but it may become stylistically dull. Varying your language with synonyms or alternative expressions helps keep writing engaging.
