Expressing purpose or intention is a fundamental aspect of effective communication. While “in order to” is a commonly used phrase to convey this meaning, diversifying your language can enhance your writing and speaking by making it more engaging and precise. That’s why it’s helpful to have other ways to say “in order to” that add variety and clarity to your expressions of intent.
In this blog post, I’ll share some creative and versatile alternatives to express purpose or intention. These phrases will help you convey your message more effectively and make your communication stand out. So read on for inspiration for unique ways to say “in order to”!
What to Say Instead of “In Order To”
Looking to make your expressions of purpose more varied and impactful? Below are 15 alternative phrases to express your intent:
- To
- So as to
- For the purpose of
- With the aim of
- With the intention of
- In an effort to
- To ensure that
- So that
- For the sake of
- With a view to
- To facilitate
- To enable
- In the interest of
- With the objective of
- To make sure that
1. To
“To” is the most direct and commonly used alternative to “in order to.” It is concise and widely understood, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. This phrase effectively conveys purpose without adding unnecessary complexity.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose you have a friend who has just started a new job and wants to learn new skills to excel in their role. You could say: “She enrolled in an online course to enhance her professional abilities.”
- Example 2: Imagine you’re a manager who wants your team to improve productivity. You could instruct them: “We are implementing these new tools to streamline our workflow.”
2. So as to
“So as to” is a slightly more formal alternative that emphasizes the intention behind an action. It is often used in written English and can add a touch of sophistication to your sentences.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose you’re organizing a community event and want to ensure everything runs smoothly. You could say: “We set up a detailed schedule so as to manage the event efficiently.”
- Example 2: If a student wants to improve their grades, they might state: “I dedicate extra hours to studying so as to achieve better results.”
3. For the purpose of
“For the purpose of” is a formal phrase that clearly defines the intent behind an action. It is particularly useful in academic, professional, or official contexts where precision is essential.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Imagine a company outlining its mission in a report. They might write: “We conduct regular training sessions for the purpose of enhancing employee skills.”
- Example 2: If a researcher is explaining their study, they could state: “This experiment was designed for the purpose of understanding cognitive responses.”
4. With the aim of
“With the aim of” conveys a clear intention and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It highlights the goal that someone is striving to achieve.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a nonprofit organization is launching a new initiative. They could say: “We launched this program with the aim of reducing local unemployment rates.”
- Example 2: If an artist is taking up painting to explore creativity, they might express: “I took painting classes with the aim of broadening my artistic skills.”
5. With the intention of
“With the intention of” is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to express deliberate purpose. It adds a layer of intentionality to the action being described.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Imagine someone is adopting a pet to bring joy into their home. They could say: “I adopted a puppy with the intention of adding more happiness to my household.”
- Example 2: If a student is volunteering to gain experience, they might state: “I volunteered at the hospital with the intention of understanding healthcare better.”
6. In an effort to
“In an effort to” emphasizes the proactive steps taken to achieve a goal. It conveys determination and is suitable for both written and spoken communication.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a company is trying to reduce its carbon footprint. They could announce: “We are recycling more materials in an effort to minimize environmental impact.”
- Example 2: If a teacher is implementing new teaching methods to engage students, they might explain: “I introduced interactive activities in an effort to increase student participation.”
7. To ensure that
“To ensure that” highlights the desire to guarantee a specific outcome. It is particularly effective when the action taken is meant to secure or safeguard something.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a project manager wants to avoid delays. They could instruct the team: “We will hold weekly meetings to ensure that all tasks are on track.”
- Example 2: If a parent wants to ensure their child’s safety, they might say: “I installed childproof locks on all cabinets to ensure that my child doesn’t access harmful substances.”
8. So that
“So that” is a flexible phrase used to introduce the purpose of an action. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and often introduces a dependent clause that explains the intent.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Imagine a student who wants to improve their writing skills. They could write: “I read extensively so that I can enhance my vocabulary and writing style.”
- Example 2: If a company is implementing a new software system, they might state: “We upgraded our software so that we can process orders more efficiently.”
9. For the sake of
“For the sake of” emphasizes doing something to benefit someone or something else. It adds a moral or altruistic tone to the action.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a friend is trying to mend a relationship. They might say: “I’m willing to forgive for the sake of our long-standing friendship.”
- Example 2: If a community is working together to improve a neighborhood park, they could declare: “We are renovating the playground for the sake of our children’s safety and enjoyment.”
10. With a view to
“With a view to” is a formal phrase that indicates a long-term intention or plan. It is often used in professional and academic writing to express strategic goals.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a company is expanding its market presence. They could announce: “We are opening new branches with a view to increasing our market share in the region.”
- Example 2: If a student is taking extra courses, they might state: “I am pursuing a minor in business studies with a view to enhancing my career prospects.”
11. To facilitate
“To facilitate” is a concise and formal way to express that an action is being taken to make something easier or more efficient. It is often used in professional and academic contexts.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a teacher is implementing new technology in the classroom. They could explain: “We are using interactive whiteboards to facilitate more engaging lessons.”
- Example 2: If a manager is organizing a workshop, they might say: “We arranged the meeting early to facilitate smoother communication among team members.”
12. To enable
“To enable” conveys the idea of providing the means or ability to achieve something. It is a clear and direct alternative suitable for various contexts.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a company is providing training to employees. They could state: “We offer professional development courses to enable our staff to excel in their roles.”
- Example 2: If a community center is offering free internet access, they might announce: “We have installed new Wi-Fi routers to enable residents to stay connected.”
13. In the interest of
Saying “In the interest of” is a straightforward phrase that clearly states the objective behind an action. It is suitable for both formal and informal communication. This expression emphasizes that the action is taken to benefit or achieve a specific purpose, highlighting the rationale or necessity behind it.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Imagine a nonprofit organization planning a fundraiser. They could declare: “We are organizing a charity run in the interest of raising funds for local shelters.”
- Example 2: If a student is conducting research, they might write: “I conducted this study in the interest of understanding consumer behavior trends.”
14. With the objective of
“With the objective of” is a formal phrase that outlines a specific aim or target. It is ideal for professional and academic settings where clarity of purpose is important.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Suppose a tech company is launching a new product. They could state: “We developed this app with the objective of simplifying online transactions for users.”
- Example 2: If a university is introducing a new program, they might announce: “The new curriculum is designed with the objective of equipping students with advanced analytical skills.”
15. To make sure that
“To make sure that” is a practical and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of verifying or ensuring a particular outcome. It is suitable for both spoken and written communication.
Usage Example:
- Example 1: Imagine a chef preparing a special dish. They could say: “I taste the sauce frequently to make sure that the seasoning is perfect.”
- Example 2: If a project manager wants to avoid errors, they might instruct the team: “We double-check all reports to make sure that the data is accurate.”
Conclusion
Looking to diversify your language and avoid repetition in your writing? At Other Ways To Say, we offer numerous other ways to say “in order to,” enabling you to convey purpose and intention with greater precision and flair. By selecting alternatives like “to,” “so as to,” or “for the purpose of,” you can enrich your communication, making your messages clearer and more engaging.
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Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.