Quick Answer
Other ways to say “in order to” include to, so as to, with the aim of, for the purpose of, and so that.
Looking for other ways to say “in order to”? Whether you are writing an email, academic paper, business report, or everyday conversation, using varied expressions can make your English sound more natural and polished.
Understanding other ways to say “in order to” also helps you choose the right expression for different contexts. Some alternatives are concise and conversational, while others are more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing.
What Is “In Order to”? Meaning, Grammar & Real Use
Imagine you are writing an email explaining why a team changed its schedule: “We moved the meeting to Friday in order to give everyone more preparation time.” The phrase clearly connects an action with its purpose. It is common in academic writing, workplace communication, instructions, presentations, and everyday speech.
“In order to” means for the purpose of doing something. It is normally followed by the base form of a verb, such as “to improve,” “to reduce,” or “to understand.” Although grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound more formal or wordy than simply using “to.” Learning alternatives to “in order to” helps you vary your writing and choose wording that matches your audience.
These expressions are different from phrases used to express excitement in English because they focus on purpose rather than emotion. However, learning purpose phrases alongside professional reaction phrases can make your overall English more flexible and precise.
Definition
“In order to” introduces the purpose or intended result of an action.
Example: We arrived early in order to get good seats.
Grammar Note
“In order to” is a purpose phrase followed by the base form of a verb.
Pattern: in order to + base verb
Example: She studied carefully in order to pass the exam.
It is grammatically correct in both spoken and written English, but “to” is often shorter and more natural in everyday communication.
Where and Why People Use It
- Spoken English: To explain reasons or goals.
- Professional writing: To describe objectives and procedures.
- Academic writing: To explain the purpose of research or analysis.
- Formal communication: To make intentions explicit.
- Instructions: To explain what someone should do and why.
When Should You Use “In Order to”?
Use the phrase when you want to make the purpose of an action especially clear.
Common Contexts
- Explaining why an action is necessary
- Describing a business objective
- Explaining a research method
- Giving instructions
- Discussing personal goals
- Describing planned actions
Spoken vs Written
In conversation, native speakers often prefer the shorter “to.”
Natural: I called to ask about the appointment.
More formal: I called in order to ask about the appointment.
In writing, especially formal or academic writing, “in order to” can be useful when you want to emphasize purpose.
Formal vs Informal
Formal: The company introduced new procedures in order to improve efficiency.
Informal: The company introduced new procedures to improve efficiency.
Both are correct. The second is simply more concise.
Is It Professional or Just Polite?
“In order to” is professional and grammatically appropriate, although it can sound slightly more formal than necessary in casual workplace conversation.
Politeness vs Professionalism
Politeness concerns how respectfully you communicate. Professionalism concerns whether your language is appropriate, clear, and effective in a work setting. “In order to” can satisfy both, but it is not inherently more polite than “to.”
Business Example
“The team revised the workflow in order to reduce processing time.”
Polite? ✔️ Yes
Professional? ✔️ Yes
Pros and Cons of Using “In Order to”
Pros
- Clear purpose: It makes the relationship between an action and its goal explicit.
- Professional tone: It works well in business, academic, and formal writing.
- Widely understood: English speakers recognize it immediately.
- Grammatically straightforward: It follows a simple purpose structure.
Cons
- Can sound wordy: “To” is often more concise.
- May feel formal: It can sound heavier in relaxed conversation.
- Can become repetitive: Frequent use may make writing less varied.
- Not always the most natural choice: Shorter alternatives often improve readability.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Using the wrong verb form
Incorrect: She left early in order to finished the report.
Correct: She left early in order to finish the report.
2. Using “in order to” before a full clause
Incorrect: We left early in order to we could avoid traffic.
Correct: We left early so that we could avoid traffic.
3. Using it when “to” is more natural
Awkward: I called in order to ask a simple question.
Better: I called to ask a simple question.
4. Confusing purpose with result
Incorrect: He worked late in order to he was tired.
Correct: He worked late, so he was tired.
5. Adding an unnecessary “that”
Incorrect: They met in order to that they could discuss the issue.
Correct: They met so that they could discuss the issue.
“Small tone mistakes can make confident English sound careless.”
Alternatives by Category
Formal alternatives to “In Order to”
- so as to
- with the aim of
- with the purpose of
- with a view to
Pro Tip: Use these when writing formal reports, proposals, academic papers, or policy documents. Check the grammar that follows each expression.
Casual alternatives
- to
- so that
- for
- to make sure
Pro Tip: Prefer short, direct wording in everyday conversation unless you specifically need to emphasize purpose.
Professional alternatives
- with the goal of
- with the objective of
- in an effort to
- to ensure
Pro Tip: Match the phrase to your meaning. Use “to ensure” for a desired condition and “with the objective of” for a stated goal.
Informal expressions
- aiming to
- hoping to
- trying to
- planning to
Pro Tip: These expressions can sound more personal and conversational, so use them when the subject’s intention is important.
“Formal and informal English are not about correctness. They are about context.”
Other Ways to Say “In Order to”
These alternatives build fluency by giving you different ways to express purpose, intention, goals, and desired results.
Use them carefully because some work with verbs, while others require nouns or gerunds.
1. Phrase: To
Meaning: Expresses the purpose of an action.
Explanation: This is usually the simplest and most natural alternative.
Example Sentence: I called to confirm the appointment.
Best Use: Everyday communication
Worst Use: None
Tone: Natural, direct
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
2. Phrase: So As To
Meaning: Expresses a specific purpose.
Explanation: It is more formal than simply using “to.”
Example Sentence: She spoke quietly so as to avoid disturbing others.
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal, careful
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
3. Phrase: So That
Meaning: Shows the intended purpose or result.
Explanation: It is followed by a full clause rather than just a base verb.
Example Sentence: We left early so that we could avoid traffic.
Best Use: Clear explanations
Worst Use: Verb phrases
Tone: Natural, clear
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
4. Phrase: With the Aim Of
Meaning: Shows the goal behind an action.
Explanation: It is useful when discussing planned objectives.
Example Sentence: The company expanded with the aim of reaching new customers.
Best Use: Formal objectives
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal, purposeful
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
5. Phrase: With the Purpose Of
Meaning: Identifies the intended purpose of an action.
Explanation: It is commonly used in formal explanations.
Example Sentence: The survey was conducted with the purpose of identifying customer needs.
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal, precise
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
6. Phrase: With a View To
Meaning: Indicates an intended future goal.
Explanation: It is formal and followed by a gerund.
Example Sentence: The company invested in training with a view to improving performance.
Best Use: Formal planning
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal, strategic
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
7. Phrase: With the Goal Of
Meaning: Shows what someone hopes to achieve.
Explanation: It clearly identifies a desired objective.
Example Sentence: We changed the process with the goal of reducing delays.
Best Use: Business objectives
Worst Use: Casual remarks
Tone: Professional, purposeful
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
8. Phrase: With the Objective Of
Meaning: Introduces a specific intended outcome.
Explanation: It is especially suitable for structured professional writing.
Example Sentence: The project was launched with the objective of improving access.
Best Use: Business documents
Worst Use: Informal chat
Tone: Formal, strategic
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
9. Phrase: In an Effort To
Meaning: Shows an attempt to achieve something.
Explanation: It emphasizes the effort involved rather than guaranteed success.
Example Sentence: The team met daily in an effort to solve the problem.
Best Use: Professional reports
Worst Use: Simple instructions
Tone: Professional, purposeful
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
10. Phrase: To Ensure
Meaning: Shows that an action is intended to make something certain.
Explanation: It is useful when the desired result is reliability or prevention.
Example Sentence: Please check the figures twice to ensure accuracy.
Best Use: Workplace instructions
Worst Use: Personal opinions
Tone: Clear, professional
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
11. Phrase: To Make Sure
Meaning: Expresses an intention to ensure something happens.
Explanation: It is more conversational than “to ensure.”
Example Sentence: I called to make sure everyone received the update.
Best Use: Everyday speech
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Casual, natural
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
12. Phrase: For The Purpose Of
Meaning: Identifies the reason something is done.
Explanation: It is formal and usually followed by a noun or gerund.
Example Sentence: The meeting was held for the purpose of reviewing the proposal.
Best Use: Formal documents
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal, precise
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
13. Phrase: For The Sake Of
Meaning: Shows that something is done to benefit or protect something.
Explanation: It often focuses on a person, principle, or desired condition.
Example Sentence: We changed the schedule for the sake of convenience.
Best Use: Practical reasons
Worst Use: Technical reports
Tone: Natural, considerate
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
14. Phrase: For
Meaning: Can express the purpose of an action or object.
Explanation: It is concise and often followed by a noun.
Example Sentence: This room is for private meetings.
Best Use: Simple purposes
Worst Use: Complex goals
Tone: Simple, direct
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
15. Phrase: Aiming To
Meaning: Shows an intended goal.
Explanation: It emphasizes what a person or organization hopes to achieve.
Example Sentence: We are aiming to complete the project by Friday.
Best Use: Stated goals
Worst Use: Past facts
Tone: Professional, natural
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
16. Phrase: Hoping To
Meaning: Shows a desired outcome.
Explanation: It adds a sense of personal expectation or uncertainty.
Example Sentence: We are hoping to hear from the client tomorrow.
Best Use: Personal intentions
Worst Use: Confirmed results
Tone: Friendly, tentative
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
17. Phrase: Trying To
Meaning: Shows an attempt to achieve something.
Explanation: It suggests that success has not yet been guaranteed.
Example Sentence: The team is trying to improve response times.
Best Use: Current efforts
Worst Use: Certain outcomes
Tone: Conversational, direct
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
18. Phrase: Planning To
Meaning: Shows an intended future action.
Explanation: It emphasizes a plan rather than the purpose itself.
Example Sentence: We are planning to expand the service next year.
Best Use: Future plans
Worst Use: Completed actions
Tone: Natural, practical
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
19. Phrase: Intending To
Meaning: Shows a person’s or group’s intention.
Explanation: It is more formal than “planning to.”
Example Sentence: The company is intending to introduce a new service.
Best Use: Formal intentions
Worst Use: Simple instructions
Tone: Formal, purposeful
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
20. Phrase: With The Intention Of
Meaning: States the intention behind an action.
Explanation: It is followed by a noun or gerund.
Example Sentence: He contacted the team with the intention of resolving the issue.
Best Use: Formal explanations
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal, precise
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
21. Phrase: With The Hope Of
Meaning: Shows an action taken because of a desired outcome.
Explanation: It expresses hope rather than certainty.
Example Sentence: She applied early with the hope of receiving a scholarship.
Best Use: Desired outcomes
Worst Use: Certain results
Tone: Hopeful, neutral
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
22. Phrase: In An Attempt To
Meaning: Shows an effort to achieve something.
Explanation: It often suggests that the outcome is uncertain.
Example Sentence: The company changed its policy in an attempt to reduce complaints.
Best Use: Analytical writing
Worst Use: Guaranteed results
Tone: Formal, analytical
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
23. Phrase: Designed To
Meaning: Shows the intended function of something.
Explanation: It is useful for products, systems, programs, and procedures.
Example Sentence: The new system is designed to reduce processing time.
Best Use: Product descriptions
Worst Use: Personal goals
Tone: Professional, factual
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
24. Phrase: Intended To
Meaning: Shows what something is meant to accomplish.
Explanation: It focuses on the planned function or purpose.
Example Sentence: The policy is intended to protect customer information.
Best Use: Policies and rules
Worst Use: Casual plans
Tone: Formal, clear
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
25. Phrase: Meant To
Meaning: Shows an intended purpose or function.
Explanation: It is a more conversational alternative to “intended to.”
Example Sentence: This button is meant to reset the system.
Best Use: Everyday explanations
Worst Use: Formal policies
Tone: Casual, natural
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
26. Phrase: As A Means Of
Meaning: Describes something used as a method for achieving a goal.
Explanation: It is normally followed by a noun or gerund.
Example Sentence: The company uses training as a means of improving performance.
Best Use: Formal analysis
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal, analytical
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
27. Phrase: For The Objective Of
Meaning: Attempts to identify a specific objective.
Explanation: It can express purpose, although “with the objective of” is generally more natural.
Example Sentence: The program was created for the objective of supporting new employees.
Best Use: Structured writing
Worst Use: Everyday speech
Tone: Formal, technical
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
28. Phrase: To Enable
Meaning: Shows that an action is intended to make something possible.
Explanation: It emphasizes creating an opportunity or capability.
Example Sentence: The upgrade was introduced to enable faster payments.
Best Use: Technical writing
Worst Use: Personal opinions
Tone: Professional, precise
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
29. Phrase: To Allow
Meaning: Shows that an action creates an opportunity for something.
Explanation: It focuses on making an action possible rather than simply stating purpose.
Example Sentence: We changed the schedule to allow more preparation time.
Best Use: Practical explanations
Worst Use: Formal objectives
Tone: Natural, clear
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
30. Phrase: To Facilitate
Meaning: Shows that an action is intended to make something easier.
Explanation: It is common in professional, academic, and technical English.
Example Sentence: The new platform was introduced to facilitate communication.
Best Use: Professional writing
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal, polished
Context Variability: Casual / professional / spoken
Comparison Table: Top 10 Alternatives at a Glance
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| To | Natural | Everyday communication |
| So that | Natural | Clear explanations |
| So as to | Formal | Formal writing |
| With the aim of | Formal | Stated objectives |
| In an effort to | Professional | Business reports |
| To ensure | Professional | Instructions |
| With the goal of | Professional | Business goals |
| Aiming to | Natural | Future goals |
| Designed to | Professional | Systems and products |
| To facilitate | Formal | Workplace writing |
Quick Self-Check
Question 1
Which option sounds most natural in everyday conversation?
A. With the objective of
B. To
C. Pursuant to
Answer: B. To
Question 2
Which phrase best fits a formal business report describing an attempt to reduce costs?
A. In an effort to
B. Hoping to
C. Meant to
Answer: A. In an effort to
Question 3
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A. We left early in order to avoided traffic.
B. We left early in order to avoid traffic.
C. We left early in order to we avoid traffic.
Answer: B. We left early in order to avoid traffic.
Question 4
Which expression is best when explaining that a system was created to make communication easier?
A. To facilitate
B. For the sake of
C. According to
Answer: A. To facilitate
FAQs
1. What are the best alternatives to “in order to”?
The most useful alternatives include “to,” “so as to,” “so that,” “with the aim of,” “with the goal of,” and “in an effort to.”
2. Is “to” better than “in order to”?
Neither is universally better. “To” is usually more concise and natural, while “in order to” can place stronger emphasis on purpose.
3. What is a formal alternative to “in order to”?
“So as to,” “with the aim of,” “with the objective of,” and “with the purpose of” can work well in formal contexts.
4. Can I use “in order to” in professional English?
Yes. It is grammatically correct and professional, especially when explaining objectives, procedures, or intended outcomes.
5. What is the difference between “to” and “so that”?
“To” is normally followed by a base verb, while “so that” introduces a full clause, often with a subject and modal verb.
Example: I left early to catch the train.
Example: I left early so that I could catch the train.
conclusion
Knowing different ways to express purpose helps you write with greater variety and control. “To” is usually the most concise choice, while phrases such as “with the aim of,” “in an effort to,” and “with the objective of” can provide greater formality or precision.
Practice replacing the same purpose phrase with two or three alternatives in your emails, essays, presentations, and conversations. Pay attention to grammar, register, and whether you are describing a goal, an attempt, an intention, or a desired result.
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Henry Walker is an American writer and blogger with a keen interest in communication, language and digital content. At TextsResponse.com, he creates informative and reader-focused resources designed to help people communicate with clarity, confidence and authenticity.
