G

Grammartier

Premium English Grammar

B1 — Intermediate+50 XP available

Interactive Grammar: Infinitives of Purpose

Use 'to' + infinitive to express purpose and reason — explaining why someone does something in English.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~64 min
Exercises
43
Level
Intermediate

Overview

Use 'to' + infinitive to express purpose and reason — explaining why someone does something in English.

Purpose structures

  • to + verbShe went to the library to study.
  • in order toHe saved money in order to buy a laptop. (formal)
  • so as toShe spoke quietly so as not to wake the baby.
  • so thatThey installed a lift so that elderly residents could reach all floors.

Choosing the right form

  • Same subject → use to or in order to: She left early to catch the train.
  • Different subjects → use so that: They wrote a guide so that staff could follow it.
  • Negative purpose → in order not to / so as not to.

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ She studied for to pass. → ✅ She studied to pass.
  • ❌ In order to not disturb her. → ✅ In order not to disturb her.
  • ❌ So that understand them. → ✅ So that they could understand.

When to use

Explaining goals

She took the course to improve her skills.

Instructions

Press the button to start the machine.

Formal writing

The team met in order to review the findings.

Academic purpose

Data was collected so that trends could be analysed.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct infinitive of purpose structure

Multiple Choice15 questions
1She went to the library study.
2He saved money buy a new laptop.
3Which sentence expresses purpose correctly?
4'In order to' is used to .
5I exercise regularly keep fit.
6'So as to' is a formal way to express .
7She took notes remember the key points.
8We use 'so that' + subject when .
9He left early avoid the rush hour.
10Which is the most formal way to express purpose?
11She speaks slowly everyone can understand.
12He used a dictionary look up new words.
13Which is NOT used to express purpose?
14 negative infinitives of purpose, use 'in order not to'.
15She spoke quietly not wake the baby.

Fill in the Blanks

Complete with to, in order to, or so that

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1She arrived early(to/in order to/so that)get a good seat.
2He studied medicine(to/in order to/so that)become a doctor.
3They installed a lift(to/in order to/so that)elderly residents could reach all floors.
4She takes notes(to/in order to/so that)remember important information.
5He took a shortcut(to/in order to/so that)arrive on time.
6We wrote a guide(to/in order to/so that)new employees would know the procedures.
7She spoke slowly(to/in order to/so that)everyone could understand.
8He saved money(to/in order to/so that)afford the course fees.
9I use an alarm(to/in order to/so that)wake up on time.
10They expanded the team(to/in order to/so that)meet the growing demand.

Transform the Sentences

Combine using an infinitive of purpose

Transform8 questions

1She went to the gym. She wanted to get fit. → → Use 'to'

2He applied early. He wanted to secure a place. → → Use 'in order to'

3She spoke quietly. She didn't want to wake the baby. → → Use 'so as not to'

4They printed an agenda. They wanted everyone to follow. → → Use 'so that'

5He wore sunglasses. He didn't want to be recognised. → → Use 'in order not to'

6She revised her notes. She wanted to prepare for the test. → → Use 'to'

7They simplified the report. They wanted clients to understand. → → Use 'so that'

8He rehearsed all week. He wanted to perform well. → → Use 'in order to'

Fix the Errors

Correct the mistake in each purpose clause

Error Fix10 questions

1She studied for to pass the exam.

2He left early for avoid the traffic.

3She saved money for buying a car.

4In order to not disturb her, he whispered.

5He went to the gym for improve his fitness.

6She spoke clearly so that understand them.

7They met early in order to they could plan.

8He used a torch to not bump into things.

9She wrote it down in order not forget.

10For a better result, to try a different method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on verbs cover?

Use 'to' + infinitive to express purpose and reason — explaining why someone does something in English.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Intermediate (B1) learners and forms part of the Verbs section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. A1
    The Verb Be
  2. B1
    Gerunds and Infinitives
  3. B1
    Infinitives of PurposeYou are here
  4. B1
    Phrasal Verbs
  5. B2
    Passive Infinitives

Before You Start

Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first.

Continue Your Grammar Journey

Ready for the next step? These lessons build on what you've learned.

Related Concepts

Deepen your grammar knowledge with these related B1 topics.

Related Grammar Lessons