English grammar
Formal purpose: in order to, so as to, with the aim of
State an aim formally, with in order to, so as to and with the aim of.
From the scene So that they listen to us
In short
Formal purpose: in order to or so as to + verb. Someone else's purpose: in order that or so that.
Your turn
Which one goes with so as to + infinitive (same subject)?
Options: we are writing this manifesto in order to be heard · with the aim of reaching all of Madrid · we have joined together so as to save our homes
Show answer
so as to + infinitive (same subject) → we have joined together so as to save our homes
How it works
In order to and so as to (+ infinitive) give a purpose when the subject stays the same; with the aim of / with the objective of take an -ing form instead.
Good to know
When the purpose belongs to someone else, not the main subject, use so that or its more formal cousin in order that + clause.
in order to + infinitive (same subject) we are writing this manifesto in order to be heard
Nuria
"We are writing this manifesto in order to be heard."
"Escribimos este manifiesto a fin de que nos escuchen."
Your turn
What fills the gap?
"(blank)."
Options: We have joined together so as to save our homes · With the aim of reaching all of Madrid · We are writing this manifesto in order to be heard
Show answer
Nuria
"We are writing this manifesto in order to be heard."
"Escribimos este manifiesto a fin de que nos escuchen."
so as to + infinitive (same subject) we have joined together so as to save our homes
Nuria
The town hall people. "We have joined together so as to save our homes."
Los del ayuntamiento. "Nos hemos unido con el fin de salvar nuestras casas."
Your turn
What fills the gap?
The town hall people. "(blank)."
Options: We have joined together so as to save our homes · We are writing this manifesto in order to be heard · With the aim of reaching all of Madrid
Show answer
Nuria
The town hall people. "We have joined together so as to save our homes."
Los del ayuntamiento. "Nos hemos unido con el fin de salvar nuestras casas."
with the aim of + -ing with the aim of reaching all of Madrid
Nuria
Then on the internet, with the aim of reaching all of Madrid.
Entonces en internet, con el objetivo de llegar a todo Madrid.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Then on the internet, (blank).
Options: we are writing this manifesto in order to be heard · we have joined together so as to save our homes · with the aim of reaching all of Madrid
Show answer
Nuria
Then on the internet, with the aim of reaching all of Madrid.
Entonces en internet, con el objetivo de llegar a todo Madrid.
in order that + clause (different subject, formal) in order that the neighbours read it
Nuria
We put it up in the doorway, in order that the neighbours read it.
Lo colgamos en el portal, de modo que lo lean los vecinos.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
We put it up in the doorway, (blank).
Options: in order that the neighbours read it · we are writing this manifesto in order to be heard · we have joined together so as to save our homes
Show answer
Nuria
We put it up in the doorway, in order that the neighbours read it.
Lo colgamos en el portal, de modo que lo lean los vecinos.
so that + clause (everyday) I'll post it so that everyone sees it
Common mistake
Not in order to or so as here. A different subject: needs a clause, not an infinitive.
We put it up in the doorway, in order that the neighbours read it.
Lo colgamos en el portal, de modo que lo lean los vecinos.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| in order to + infinitive (same subject) | we are writing this manifesto in order to be heard |
|---|---|
| so as to + infinitive (same subject) | we have joined together so as to save our homes |
| with the aim of + -ing | with the aim of reaching all of Madrid |
| in order that + clause (different subject, formal) | in order that the neighbours read it |
| so that + clause (everyday) | I'll post it so that everyone sees it |
More lines from the story
- JaviDoña Elena has already told them, so there's no need.Doña Elena ya se lo ha contado, de modo que no hace falta.
- NuriaYou? Only your mum follows you.¿Tú? Si solo te sigue tu madre.