In order to means so as to: it explains the purpose of an action. It means the same as a simple to, but sounds a little more formal and works well in emails, reports and essays.
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in order to + verb; in order not to + verb; so that + clause
- I moved closer to the office in order to spend less time commuting.
- In order to apply for the visa, you need bank statements for the last three months.
- She left the party early in order not to miss the last train.
What changed
First versionI joined a speaking club for improving my English.
RevisionI joined a speaking club in order to improve my English.
For + -ing can look like a way to express a goal. But when a person explains the purpose of what they do, English uses to or in order to with a plain verb, without -ing: in order to improve.
In order to fits when the purpose belongs to the same person who acts. If the purpose involves someone else, you usually use so that and a full clause: I spoke slowly so that everyone could follow. For the negative, put not inside the expression: in order not to be late.
Your turn
Please arrive fifteen minutes early ___ complete the registration form.
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in order to — The gap is followed directly by the verb complete, with no one named as doing it, so in order to fits. So that needs a full clause: so that you can complete the form.
Write about something you regularly do to reach a goal in your studies or work. Name the action and give the goal with in order to.
I read one English news article every morning in order to learn words for my IELTS essays.
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