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English grammar

Saying why you did it

A2 · Elementary Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

To give the purpose of an action, the simplest form is to + the plain verb: I called to change the date. in order to is the same thing, only more formal. When the purpose belongs to somebody else, you need so that with a full clause: I left early so that she could use the car.

Pattern

to + plain verb · in order to + plain verb · so that + subject + verb

Examples

  1. I called to change the appointment.

  2. She went to the bank to open an account.

  3. I left early so that I could catch the train.

  4. Write it down in order to remember it.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: I called for change the date.

    Right: I called to change the date.

    Purpose takes to, not for, before a verb.

  • Wrong: I left early so that catch the train.

    Right: I left early so that I could catch the train.

    so that needs a subject and a verb after it.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Fill in the gap.

    I went to the surgery _____ a sick note.

    1. to getting
    2. to get
    3. for getting
    4. for get
    Show answer

    Answer: B I went to the surgery to get a sick note.

    Purpose takes to + plain verb.

  2. 2Fill in the gap.

    She saves money _____ buy a car.

    1. so that
    2. to
    3. for
    4. in order
    Show answer

    Answer: B She saves money to buy a car.

    to + plain verb.

  3. 3Fill in the gap.

    I wrote it down _____ I would not forget.

    1. in order to
    2. for
    3. to
    4. so that
    Show answer

    Answer: D I wrote it down so that I would not forget.

    A full clause takes so that.

  4. 4Fill in the gap.

    He phoned _____ the booking.

    1. for confirm
    2. to confirming
    3. to confirm
    4. confirming
    Show answer

    Answer: C He phoned to confirm the booking.

    to + plain verb.

  5. 5Fill in the gap.

    Please arrive early _____ we can start on time.

    1. so that
    2. for
    3. to
    4. because
    Show answer

    Answer: A Please arrive early so that we can start on time.

    Somebody else in the purpose takes so that.

  6. 6Choose the correct sentence.

    1. I came here to asking about the course.
    2. I came here to ask about the course.
    3. I came here for asking about the course.
    4. I came here for ask about the course.
    Show answer

    Answer: B I came here to ask about the course.

    to + plain verb.

  7. 7Choose the correct sentence.

    1. She left the key so that I could get in.
    2. She left the key for I could get in.
    3. She left the key so that get in.
    4. She left the key to I could get in.
    Show answer

    Answer: A She left the key so that I could get in.

    so that + subject + verb.

  8. 8This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Which sentence is wrong?

    1. I stopped to buy some bread.
    2. I stopped for buy some bread.
    3. I stopped to get some bread.
    4. I stopped at the bakery.
    Show answer

    Answer: B I stopped for buy some bread.

    Purpose before a verb takes to.

  9. 9This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Which sentence is wrong?

    1. He works hard to save money.
    2. He works hard for to save money.
    3. He works hard in order to save money.
    4. He works hard so that he can save money.
    Show answer

    Answer: B He works hard for to save money.

    for and to do not go together.

  10. 10Put the words in the right order.

    I called to book an appointment

    Show answer

    Answer: I called to book an appointment.

    to + plain verb gives the purpose.

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