Hey friends! Have you ever wondered how to make your sentences clearer when explaining why or for what purpose something happens? If yes, then you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into Adverb Clauses of Purpose—a handy grammatical tool that helps you add purpose seamlessly to your sentences. Whether you're a student, a writer, or just a grammar enthusiast, understanding these clauses will boost your writing clarity and style.
So, let’s get started! We’ll first explore what adverb clauses of purpose are, how they function, how to use them correctly, and even share tips, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Ready? Let’s go!
What Are Adverb Clauses of Purpose?
Definition:
An adverb clause of purpose explains the reason or the intended goal behind an action. It answers questions like why or for what purpose an action is performed within a sentence.
In simple terms:
It tells us why something is done or what someone intends to achieve.
| Key Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adverb Clause | A group of words that functions as an adverb and describes how, when, where, or why an action happens. |
| Purpose Clause | A specific type of adverb clause that indicates the purpose or goal of an action. |
Example:
- She studies hard so that she can pass her exams.
In this sentence, “so that she can pass her exams” is an adverb clause of purpose explaining why she studies hard.
How Do You Identify an Adverb Clause of Purpose?
Generally, these clauses are introduced by specific conjunctions, most commonly:
- to + base verb (infinitive form)
- so that + subject + verb
- in order to + base verb
Common Conjunctions and Phrases of Purpose:
| Conjunction/Phrase | Usage Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| to + verb | I went to the store to buy bread. | Expresses purpose directly. |
| so that | She left early so that she wouldn’t miss the bus. | Shows purpose with a subject and verb. |
| in order to | He trained daily in order to run faster. | Formal way to state purpose. |
How to Use Adverb Clauses of Purpose Correctly: Step-by-Step
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Choose the correct conjunction or phrase based on formality and clarity:
- For direct purpose, to + verb is simple and effective.
- For more detailed reason, so that or in order to works better.
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Construct the clause:
- When using to + verb: no subject in the clause.
- When using so that: include a subject + verb.
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Position your clause properly:
- Usually placed after the main clause.
- Can be moved to the beginning for emphasis, separated by a comma.
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Ensure clarity and avoid confusion:
- Don’t combine multiple purpose clauses in a way that muddles meaning.
- Keep the sentence concise and straightforward.
Example Examples:
- Correct: They left early to catch the train.
- Correct: She paused so that everyone could understand her.
- Correct: He studies hard in order to excel in his exams.
Proper Order of Multiple Purpose Clauses
Sometimes, a sentence can have multiple purpose clauses. How should you order them? Here’s a quick guide:
Order of purpose clauses:
- Use to + verb for simple purposes.
- Use so that or in order to to add emphasis or importance.
- When combining, keep to + verb first, followed by so that clauses if needed.
Example:
- She trained daily to improve her skills so that she could win the competition.
Forms of Adverb Clauses of Purpose with Examples
| Form | Structure | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinitive (to + verb) | Subject + verb + to + base verb | I went to the gym to get fit. | Direct and concise. |
| "so that" + subject + verb | Subject + verb + so that + subject + verb | He apologized so that everyone would forgive him. | Adds clarity with complete thought. |
| "in order to" + verb | Subject + verb + in order to + base verb | They left early in order to avoid traffic. | Slightly more formal. |
Benefits of Using Adverb Clauses of Purpose
- Make your writing more precise.
- Clearly show reasons behind actions.
- Add variety and sophistication to sentences.
- Help avoid ambiguity.
Example Use in Different Contexts:
| Category | Purpose Clause Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Personality traits | She volunteers so that she can help others. | Shows purpose tied to traits. |
| Physical description | He wears glasses in order to see better. | Clarifies purpose of an action. |
| Roles | The teacher explained clearly so that students could understand. | Defines the goal of the action. |
| Personal goals | I practice daily to improve my skills. | Demonstrates motivation. |
| Professional reasons | She attends conferences so that she can network. | Indicates professional purpose. |
(Expand this list to 15 categories as needed.)
Tips for Success in Using Adverb Clauses of Purpose
- Keep purpose clauses short and clear.
- Use to + verb for informal, quick explanations.
- Use so that or in order to in formal writing.
- Remember, when using so that, include both the subject and verb in the clause.
Example:
-
Incorrect: I saved money so that buy a new car.
-
Correct: I saved money so that I could buy a new car.
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Tip: When combining multiple purpose clauses, prioritize clarity and natural flow.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Fix | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Using to without context | Always clarify the purpose, e.g., to do what. | Avoid vague sentences. |
| Omitting the subject in so that clauses | Always include subject + verb when using so that. | Keeps the sentence complete and clear. |
| Mixing purpose with result | Remember, purpose explains why an action is done, not the outcome. | E.g., saying “He studied so he could get good grades” (purpose) vs. “He studied so hard that he got good grades” (result). |
| Forgetting punctuation | Use commas after introductory purpose clauses. | For clarity, e.g., In order to improve, he practices daily. |
Variations and Similar Constructions
- Using infinitives:
- I went to New York to see the sights.
- Using “for” + noun:
- This gift is for you to enjoy. (Less formal, more direct)
- Purpose clauses with with the aim of, for the purpose of, with a view to:
- They organized the event with the aim of raising funds.
Why Are Adverb Clauses of Purpose Important?
Purpose clauses help make our language more expressive. They clarify intentions and motives, making our statements richer and easier to understand. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a professional email, or a casual story, mastering these clauses will elevate your skills.
Practice Exercises
Let’s put theory into practice with a few fun exercises:
-
Fill-in-the-blank:
- She bought a new book ______ she loves reading. (Answer: because)
- He exercises daily ______ stay healthy. (Answer: to)
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Error Correction:
- I went to the park so that I could read. (Corrected: "so that I could read" is correct.)
- She studies hard to pass her exams. (Correct as is)
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Identification:
- Find the purpose clause in the sentence: "They moved closer so that they could hear better." (Answer: so that they could hear better)
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Sentence Construction:
- Make a sentence with in order to.
Example: I saved money in order to buy a new car.
- Make a sentence with in order to.
-
Category Matching:
- Match the clause to its role:
- She practices every day so that she improves.
– Purpose clause - He wore sunglasses to protect his eyes.
– Purpose clause
- She practices every day so that she improves.
- Match the clause to its role:
Summary and Final Thoughts
In this guide, we've covered the essentials of Adverb Clauses of Purpose. From understanding what they are, how to use them correctly, to common errors and practice exercises—you're now well-equipped to add purpose and clarity to your sentences. Remember, choosing the right structure and placing clauses properly can transform simple sentences into powerful, clear statements.
So, next time you want to explain why you’re doing something, think "How can I frame this as a purpose clause?" Practice regularly, and you’ll soon master this vital aspect of English grammar! Keep experimenting, and don’t forget—clarity is key to effective communication.
Ready to speak and write with purpose? Keep practicing these tips and exercises, and you'll see your grammar skills soar!