🤔 What's The Difference Between IN ORDER TO, SO THAT and TO? | Learn English Grammar

Learn the difference between IN ORDER TO, SO THAT and TO in this English grammar lesson.

If you liked this lesson on the difference between IN ORDER TO, SO THAT and TO, you will definitely like these other English grammar lessons :

:: LESSON NOTES ::

⭐️ SO THAT

We follow 'so that' with a normal indicative sentence and it means "with the result that".

Examples

Q: Why do you take English classes via Skype?

1. I take English classes via Skype so that I can speak more confidently.

2. I have English classes via Skype so that I don't waste my time travelling to and from an academy.

3. I have classes with a native English teacher so that I hear the perfect pronunciation and the natural language.



In general spoken English we can omit or delete the word 'that'. We can simply say 'so'...



Examples

1. I have classes via Skype so I speak more confidently.

2. I have classes via Skype so I don't waste time travelling to the academy.

3. I have classes with a native teacher so I hear perfect English.



⭐️ IN ORDER TO

'In order to' is followed by an infinitive verb and is used when we are talking about the purpose of something. The 'why'... why we do something. We do something in order to...

Let's look at some example sentences that an English student might say to me.


Examples

1. I study English in order to get a better job.

2. I want a better job in order to earn more money.

3. I want more money in order to provide a better life for my family.



Similarly, we can just omit 'in order' when we are speaking. So, when we are speaking , we usually just say 'to'.

Examples:

1. I study English to get a better job.

2. I want a better job to earn more money.

3. I want more money to provide a better life for my family.



⭐️ SO THAT and IN ORDER TO are more formal and are used more in written English.

⭐️ SO and TO are short words – very easy to use – and we use those in spoken English.

Questions?

If you have an English grammar question for me, just write it in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer you in a video!

Thanks for watching and speak soon,

Your British English Teacher,

~ Greg

[metheegung]

You are greatest teacher ever!thank you.

[detaildevil]

As a non native speaker I find it very useful to know that there is no difference between
so that -> so
in order to -> to
(formal-> informal)

[analuciafernandes]

Hi Greg. I’ve learned a lot from your videos. If possible, I would like to understand the use of these words: until, by and up to.

[manuelenriquerodriguezchan]

I like the way you explain these items very clearly and with the perfect pronunciation in a real spoken English. Thanls a lot.

[brushuponyourenglish.]

You teach very well.
examples by me,
(1) I study English so that I communicate in English.

(2)Teachers teach English in order to provide knowledge to students .
(3) I spoke to teacher .

[maslinajeferydin]

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[julioquizhpe]

Thank. I use your advice in order to improve my English and I am going to apply them so that I get my C1 certificate.

[sharminifernando]

Love ur valuable lessons always thanks

[stimulseducation]

u are best of the best teacher which i have never seen such any perfect explanations of any english lessons. i also have many grammer mistakes when i speak but step by step i make my mistakes by watching your videos. Thx so much, so i have already adviced to my friends too that fallow your channel.

[manojkarthik]

Your way of expressing the subject is excellent sir

[karlachavarria]

Greg. I enjoy your video to make me progress in my process of learning English. Thanks.

[agneskonradt]

I learning English because I love English language 📖📚 thank you for your great lesson, bye for now, have a good day📖📚

[Mona_Mostafa.]

Thank you for your incredible easy explanation ❤❤❤

[aichahamza]

I watch your videos in order to improve my English
Thanks Greg I like your English

[pavankasyap]

Your expression makes easy for better understanding, thanks a lot respected sir

[yachasun]

Such a great class as usual. Thank you for all your waste time.

[luismanuelfustergarcia]

Awesome explanation about the uses of in order to, so that and to. Thanks Greg.

[ronenr]

Great! I’ll share this video so that more people can learn English 😜👌🏼

[hossainelama]

You explain in short and clear way.thanks teacher.

[annatemperini]

I have discovered you today.
You are very, great, young teacher.
Yeah.