If you write essays, emails, or academic papers, you’ve probably used the phrase “in order to.” While it’s perfectly correct, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound wordy and repetitive.
The good news is that there are many other ways to say “in order to” that make your sentences clearer, smoother, and more natural.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The meaning of “in order to”
- 15 useful alternatives with examples
- When to use “to” vs “in order to”
- How to start a sentence with these phrases
- Common grammar mistakes to avoid
Let’s start with the basics.
What Does “In Order To” Mean?
The phrase “in order to” is used to explain the purpose or goal of an action. It introduces a clause that shows why something is done.
Grammar Function
“In order to” is usually followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive).
Structure:
in order to + verb
Example:
- She studies every night in order to pass the exam.
- They saved money in order to travel abroad.
- He left early in order to avoid traffic.
In grammar, this is called a purpose clause, because it explains the purpose of an action.
Where Can “In Order To” Appear in a Sentence?
“In order to” can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
At the Beginning of a Sentence
When the phrase begins a sentence, it is followed by a comma.
Examples:
- In order to finish the project on time, we worked late.
- In order to improve her English, she reads daily.
In the Middle of a Sentence
When it appears in the middle, a comma is not required.
Examples:
- We worked late in order to finish the project on time.
- She reads daily in order to improve her English.
However, many writers prefer shorter alternatives because “in order to” can sound wordy.
Why You Should Avoid Overusing “In Order To”
Although the phrase is correct, using it too often can make writing less concise.
Here are the main reasons to replace it.
1. It Can Sound Wordy
“In order to” often contains unnecessary words.
Example:
❌ She woke up early in order to catch the train.
✅ She woke up early to catch the train.
The second sentence is shorter and clearer.
2. Repetition Weakens Writing
In essays or articles, repeating the same phrase can make your writing feel boring or mechanical.
Using different expressions improves vocabulary and readability.
3. Stronger Style in Academic Writing
Writers often replace “in order to” with alternatives such as:
- to
- so that
- with the aim of
- in an effort to
These variations make writing sound more professional and polished.
15 Other Ways to Say “In Order To”
Here are some of the most useful alternatives, along with examples.
1. To
The most common and natural replacement for “in order to.”
Example:
- She woke up early to catch the bus.
- They studied hard to pass the exam.
In most situations, “to” works perfectly and keeps sentences concise.
2. So As To
This phrase is slightly more formal and is often used in careful writing.
Examples:
- He spoke quietly so as to avoid disturbing anyone.
- She left early so as to arrive on time.
3. So That
“So that” is used when the purpose involves another clause with a subject and verb.
Examples:
- We left early so that we could avoid traffic.
- She explained slowly so that everyone could understand.
4. With the Aim of
This expression emphasizes a specific objective or goal.
Examples:
- The company invested in technology with the aim of increasing productivity.
- She enrolled in the program with the aim of improving her career prospects.
5. With the Intention of
Used in formal writing to explain someone’s purpose or plan.
Examples:
- He joined the course with the intention of learning Spanish.
- They started the project with the intention of helping local communities.
6. For the Purpose of
This phrase is often used in academic or legal contexts.
Examples:
- The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing future plans.
- The study was conducted for the purpose of gathering data.
7. In the Hope of
This expression shows that someone is acting with optimism about a result.
Examples:
- He saved money in the hope of buying a house.
- She applied for several jobs in the hope of getting hired quickly.
8. In an Effort To
Used when someone is trying hard to achieve something.
Examples:
- She exercised daily in an effort to stay healthy.
- The team worked overtime in an effort to meet the deadline.
9. In the Interest of
This phrase highlights the benefit or advantage of an action.
Examples:
- They followed the rules in the interest of safety.
- The company made changes in the interest of transparency.
10. In Order That
This phrase is similar to “so that,” but it is more formal and less common.
Examples:
- He spoke slowly in order that everyone could understand.
- The instructions were simplified in order that students could follow them easily.
11. For
Sometimes “for” can express purpose in informal contexts.
Examples:
- He went to the store to buy groceries.
- She saved money for traveling abroad.
However, in formal grammar, this structure is less common than using an infinitive.
12. To Ensure
“To ensure” is often used when the purpose is to guarantee something happens.
Examples:
- We checked the data twice to ensure accuracy.
- They installed cameras to ensure security.
13. To Achieve
Used when the purpose involves reaching a goal or result.
Examples:
- She practices every day to achieve fluency.
- The team trained hard to achieve victory.
14. To Help
This phrase expresses purpose related to assistance or improvement.
Examples:
- The teacher created exercises to help students learn faster.
- The guide was written to help beginners understand grammar.
15. To Make Sure
Common in everyday English to show that something happens as expected.
Examples:
- He checked the door to make sure it was locked.
- She reviewed the report to make sure everything was correct.
“In Order To” vs. “To”: What’s the Difference?
Many English learners wonder whether they should use “to” or “in order to.”
When “To” Is Better
“To” is better when you want a simple and natural sentence.
Example:
- She studies hard to succeed.
When “In Order To” Works Better
Sometimes “in order to” adds clarity or emphasis, especially in formal writing.
Example:
- The instructions were repeated in order to avoid confusion.
It can also help when a sentence might otherwise be ambiguous.
Formal vs Informal Usage
“In order to” is more common in:
- academic writing
- research papers
- formal reports
In everyday conversation, people usually prefer “to.”
Using Alternatives at the Beginning of a Sentence
You can start sentences with purpose phrases.
Examples:
Original:
- In order to finish early, we started at dawn.
Alternative:
- To finish early, we started at dawn.
Another example:
- So that everyone could hear clearly, the speaker used a microphone.
When the phrase appears at the start, remember to use a comma after the introductory clause.
Common Mistakes When Using “In Order To”
Here are some mistakes learners often make.
1. Using It at the End of a Sentence
Incorrect:
❌ We worked harder in order to do so.
Correct usage requires a verb after the phrase.
Example:
✅ We worked harder in order to succeed.
2. Overusing the Phrase
Using “in order to” repeatedly can make writing feel repetitive.
Example:
❌ She studied hard in order to pass the exam in order to get into college.
Better:
✅ She studied hard to pass the exam and get into college.
3. Incorrect Verb Form
Always follow the phrase with a base verb.
Correct:
- She practiced daily in order to improve.
Incorrect:
❌ She practiced daily in order improving.
Comparison Table of Synonyms
| Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| To | Neutral | She studies to succeed |
| So as to | Formal | He spoke quietly so as to avoid noise |
| For the purpose of | Very formal | They met for the purpose of negotiation |
| In an effort to | Formal | She worked harder in an effort to improve |
| So that | Neutral | We left early so that we could arrive on time |
Other Phrases That Express Purpose
Besides the alternatives above, English also uses several related expressions.
Examples include:
- For the sake of
- With the goal of
- With a view to
- In pursuit of
- The organization launched a campaign with the goal of raising awareness.
These phrases are especially useful in academic or professional writing.
Tips for IELTS and Academic Writing
If you’re preparing for exams like IELTS or writing essays, varying your language is important.
Best Formal Alternatives
Strong choices include:
- With the intention of
- For the purpose of
- In an effort to
- With the aim of
These phrases can make your writing sound more advanced and academic.
Avoid Repetition
Instead of repeating the same structure, vary your expressions.
Example:
Original:
- The government introduced policies in order to reduce pollution.
Improved:
- The government introduced policies to reduce pollution.
- The government introduced policies with the aim of reducing pollution.
Practice Sentences
Try rewriting these sentences using different alternatives.
Original:
- She studies every night in order to pass the exam.
Possible answers:
- She studies every night to pass the exam.
- She studies every night so that she can pass the exam.
- She studies every night in an effort to pass the exam.
Another example:
Original:
- He saved money in order to buy a car.
Alternative:
- He saved money to buy a car.
Practicing these variations will help you expand your vocabulary and improve your writing style.
Final Thoughts
The phrase “in order to” is useful for explaining the purpose of an action, but it can sometimes sound too formal or wordy.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives you can use instead, including:
- to
- so as to
- so that
- with the aim of
- in an effort to
- for the purpose of
Using these expressions will help you:
- write clearer sentences
- avoid repetition
- sound more natural and fluent
Next time you write an essay or email, try replacing “in order to” with one of these alternatives to make your writing more engaging and effective.