In order to achieve a specific goal, various phrases can be employed to express purpose:
Equaling "for the sake of" or "with the aim of", the phrase "in order to" serves as a straightforward indicator of purpose. For instance: "I arose early this morning in order to secure the first bus ride." Remember, it's typically used within a sentence and not at the start.
"So that" and "so as to" are also used to connect cause and effect. While "so that" follows a clause, "so as to" can function both before and after the action. Example: "To catch the first bus, I got up early this morning, so as to ensure punctuality."
"To" preceding the action is a common construction, especially when the verb follows, like: "I got up early this morning to catch the first bus." This concise form conveys the same intention.
"For" can also indicate purpose when used with a noun or gerund, like "I got up early this morning for the sake of catching the first bus." It highlights the reason behind the action.
It's crucial to note that the verb following these phrases should be in its gerund form, as it acts as the object of the preposition and represents the intended action.
This guide should aid you in navigating the nuances of these expressions, enhancing your ability to clearly communicate your objectives in your writing or speech.