TO: The commonest way to express purpose in spoken English. "He came here to see John." "I wear glasses to read."
SO AS TO: Means the same as "to" alone but is a little more emphatic. "Ed moved house so as to be nearer his work". "Rita took courses so as to qualify for a better job."
Best form for negatives in spoken English. "He waved his hand so as not to be ignored." "She closed her eyes so as not to see what happened."
IN ORDER TO: Also means the same as "to" alone but more formal or emphatic. Can be used in the affirmative or negative.
"They are building a new plant in order to increase capacity." "I crossed the street in order (not) to meet Peter." "She ignored his note in order not to encourage him."
SO THAT: Use when followed by: WILL WOULD CAN COULD MAY MIGHT SHALL SHOULD
He bought a license so that he could go fishing "There is a bedside lamp so that you can read in bed."
They are considering a takeover so ________ widen their distribution channels.
in order to
as to
that
to
They are going through with the takeover so ________ they can widen their distribution channels.
as to
in order to
that
to
They are going through with the takeover __________ widen their distribution channels.
so that
order to
to
as to
The robber used a gun _________ make the cashier hand over the money.
so that
so as
in order
to
The thief wore a mask _____________ be recognized.
not to
order not to
so as not to
so as not
The thief wore a mask in __________ be recognized
so as not
so as not to
order not to
not to
Steve used powerpoint __________ to better illustrate certain points in his presentation.
so that
in order
so as to
to
Harry took a taxi to the conference ______________ late.
to not be
in order not to be
so that he not
so as not to
We should run a credit check on BSA, Inc. _________ find out its rating.
in order
so that we
to
so as
We recorded the conversation ___________ we could refer back to it later.
in order
so as
so that
Put a sign on the door of the offices _________ people will know where we've moved.
so as
so that
in order
We should advertise more _________ the public gets to know us better.
so as
in order to
so that
We have to advertise more ___________ increase sales.
so that
in order to
so as
We should advertise more __________ increase sales.
so as
to
so that
order to
The pound sterling was devalued _____________ make it more competitive with other currencies.
so as
in order to
as to
so that
Janet drives more slowly now, ___________ to get caught in a speed trap again.
to not
so that not
so as not
not to
The area was fenced __________ to allow construction to endanger passers-by.
to not
in order not
not to
so that not
I turned off all the lights ___________ to waste electricity.
so as not
so that not
to not
not to
I turned off all the lights __________ electricity wouldn't be wasted
so as not
so that
so that not
to
_______________ check with my contacts I'll need to make some long distance calls.
As to
So that you
So as
In order to
We'd better get comprehensive insurance ____________ be completely covered.
so that you
order to
so as to
as to
Some people shop only at discount stores ____________ not to pay so much.
so that
so they
so as
in order that
I complained to the building superintendent __________ the broken window wouldn't go unnoticed.
so that
to
in order to
so as to
I've put a note on Peter's telephone __________ he can't miss it.