The phrase “in order to” is widely used in English to show purpose or intention—it explains why someone does something or the goal behind an action. While it is correct and clear, overusing it can make your writing sound stiff, wordy, or repetitive. Fortunately, there are many alternatives that can express the same meaning with different levels of formality, tone, and conciseness.
In this article, you’ll discover 25 alternatives to “in order to,” with their meanings, explanations, real-world examples, best contexts, and tone descriptions.
1. To
Meaning: The most concise way to express purpose.
Detailed Explanation: Often a direct substitute for “in order to.” Works well in both formal and informal contexts.
Scenario Example: She studied hard to pass the exam.
Best Use: Everyday writing, academic, professional.
Tone: Neutral, concise.
2. For the purpose of
Meaning: States the intention behind an action.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly more formal, emphasizes the reason or purpose.
Scenario Example: The policy was created for the purpose of protecting employees.
Best Use: Legal, academic, formal contexts.
Tone: Formal, precise.
3. For the sake of
Meaning: Indicates doing something for the benefit or goal of something else.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a personal or emotional tone to purpose.
Scenario Example: She moved to the city for the sake of her career.
Best Use: Persuasive writing, personal expression.
Tone: Thoughtful, emotive.
4. So that
Meaning: Explains the intended result of an action.
Detailed Explanation: Common in both spoken and written English, especially explanatory contexts.
Scenario Example: He whispered so that no one else could hear.
Best Use: Teaching, casual writing, conversation.
Tone: Neutral, explanatory.
5. With the aim of
Meaning: Indicates a goal or objective.
Detailed Explanation: More formal than “to” and often used in strategic or professional contexts.
Scenario Example: The campaign was launched with the aim of raising awareness.
Best Use: Business, reports, academic writing.
Tone: Professional, formal.
6. With the goal of
Meaning: Similar to “with the aim of,” but slightly less formal.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on a clear and concrete goal.
Scenario Example: She enrolled in the class with the goal of improving her writing skills.
Best Use: Academic, business, self-improvement contexts.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
7. For the objective of
Meaning: Points to a specific target or mission.
Detailed Explanation: Formal and goal-oriented.
Scenario Example: Funds were raised for the objective of supporting local schools.
Best Use: Reports, grant proposals, formal documents.
Tone: Serious, formal.
8. With a view to
Meaning: Suggests planning or intention with a long-term perspective.
Detailed Explanation: Common in British English; adds a forward-looking feel.
Scenario Example: He invested in property with a view to retiring early.
Best Use: Formal writing, business, academic contexts.
Tone: Formal, strategic.
9. For the end of
Meaning: Highlights the outcome being pursued.
Detailed Explanation: Rare but impactful; emphasizes final results.
Scenario Example: Negotiations were held for the end of achieving peace.
Best Use: Formal contexts, speeches.
Tone: Serious, weighty.
10. As a means to
Meaning: Focuses on the method used to achieve something.
Detailed Explanation: Shows the action is a tool or pathway to a goal.
Scenario Example: He used storytelling as a means to teach values.
Best Use: Academic, reflective, professional.
Tone: Analytical, formal.
11. For the intention of
Meaning: Clarifies the deliberate purpose behind an action.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes conscious planning.
Scenario Example: She spoke up for the intention of correcting the mistake.
Best Use: Legal, academic, business.
Tone: Formal, intentional.
12. In the interest of
Meaning: Suggests acting for the benefit or good of something.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights ethical or collective motivations.
Scenario Example: In the interest of safety, please wear a helmet.
Best Use: Policies, safety notices, formal statements.
Tone: Professional, authoritative.
13. For the benefit of
Meaning: Shows who or what will gain from the action.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a positive, altruistic dimension to purpose.
Scenario Example: He donated money for the benefit of local children.
Best Use: Charities, speeches, formal writing.
Tone: Positive, formal.
14. Toward
Meaning: Indicates movement in the direction of a goal.
Detailed Explanation: Works metaphorically as well as literally.
Scenario Example: She worked hard toward achieving her dreams.
Best Use: Motivational writing, academic, personal development.
Tone: Neutral, purposeful.
15. For the aim of
Meaning: Similar to “with the aim of,” but shorter.
Detailed Explanation: Best when highlighting objectives in clear terms.
Scenario Example: The rule was introduced for the aim of reducing accidents.
Best Use: Professional, academic contexts.
Tone: Formal, straightforward.
16. To the end that
Meaning: A formal way of showing intended results.
Detailed Explanation: Common in legal, historical, or very formal documents.
Scenario Example: Laws were enacted to the end that justice may be served.
Best Use: Legal writing, academic essays.
Tone: Very formal, authoritative.
17. For purposes of
Meaning: States that something is done for a clear and defined reason.
Detailed Explanation: Common in contracts and formal documents.
Scenario Example: The clause was added for purposes of clarity.
Best Use: Legal, technical writing.
Tone: Formal, precise.
18. With the purpose of
Meaning: Emphasizes intention.
Detailed Explanation: Similar to “with the aim of,” but more general.
Scenario Example: He joined the group with the purpose of learning new skills.
Best Use: Formal writing, essays, business.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
19. So as to
Meaning: A concise substitute for “in order to.”
Detailed Explanation: Common in British English, often considered more formal.
Scenario Example: She left early so as to avoid traffic.
Best Use: Academic, professional contexts.
Tone: Formal, concise.
20. For the reason of
Meaning: Clarifies motivation or cause.
Detailed Explanation: Not as common, but emphasizes justification.
Scenario Example: He applied late for the reason of illness.
Best Use: Formal, explanatory writing.
Tone: Serious, formal.
21. In an effort to
Meaning: Suggests an attempt to achieve something.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights effort rather than just intention.
Scenario Example: They worked overtime in an effort to finish the project.
Best Use: Reports, news, essays.
Tone: Neutral, formal.
22. With the objective of
Meaning: Stresses a planned goal.
Detailed Explanation: Strong alternative in strategic or organizational contexts.
Scenario Example: The workshop was designed with the objective of improving teamwork.
Best Use: Business, academic, professional.
Tone: Formal, professional.
23. To achieve
Meaning: Directly focuses on the outcome.
Detailed Explanation: Short and result-oriented.
Scenario Example: She worked hard to achieve excellence.
Best Use: Motivational, professional, academic writing.
Tone: Determined, neutral.
24. For the cause of
Meaning: Points to a mission or purpose.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a strong moral or emotional undertone.
Scenario Example: He fought for the cause of freedom.
Best Use: Speeches, historical writing, persuasive contexts.
Tone: Passionate, formal.
25. In pursuit of
Meaning: Expresses chasing or striving toward a goal.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes determination and ambition.
Scenario Example: She traveled the world in pursuit of knowledge.
Best Use: Motivational writing, storytelling.
Tone: Inspirational, formal.
Conclusion
The phrase “in order to” is useful and grammatically correct, but it can feel wordy or repetitive if used too often. Depending on your context, you might choose concise options like “to” or “so as to” in professional writing, or more formal alternatives like “with the aim of” or “in pursuit of” for academic and motivational settings. By mixing in these 25 alternatives, you’ll make your writing sharper, more versatile, and more engaging.
