In order to and so that exercises

Quick answer. Use in order to + base verb when the same person or thing performs both actions: I left early in order to catch the train. Use so that + subject + verb when you need a full purpose clause, especially with a different subject or a modal: I left a note so that Maya could find me.

In order to or so that?

In order to does not take a separate grammatical subject. If the second action belongs to another person, choose so that: I repeated the number so that Leo could write it down.

Exercise 1: choose the pattern

1. I wrote the date down ___ forget it. (in order not to / so that I did not)
2. We moved closer ___ we could hear the speaker. (in order to / so that)
3. Maya opened the window ___ let some air in. (in order to / so that she could)
4. He spoke slowly ___ the children could follow him. (in order to / so that)
5. They booked early ___ get cheaper tickets. (in order to / so that they)
6. I will charge the phone ___ it will be ready for the trip. (in order to / so that)

The subject test

Underline the performer of each action. In Nina called to confirm the time, Nina both called and confirmed. In Nina called so that we could confirm the time, Nina called but we confirmed. This test is more reliable than translating Russian «чтобы» with one fixed English phrase.

Exercise 2: join the sentences

1. I turned on the subtitles. I wanted to understand every word.
2. I turned on the subtitles. My parents could understand the film.
3. Leo took a taxi. He did not want to be late.
4. Leo booked a taxi for Maya. She would not be late.
5. We saved the document twice. We wanted to avoid losing it.
6. We shared the document. Everyone could add comments.

Present and past purpose

The modal depends on meaning, not only on tense. Could often expresses ability or possibility in a past purpose clause; would can describe the intended future result from that past viewpoint.

Exercise 3: choose the modal

1. I am speaking clearly so that everyone ___ understand. (can / could)
2. She sent a reminder so that nobody ___ forget. (would / will)
3. We moved the meeting online so that people ___ join from home. (could / can)
4. I will leave the light on so that you ___ see the path. (can / could)
5. He hid the present so that the children ___ find it. (would not / will not)
6. They use a shared calendar so that everyone ___ see the changes. (can / could)

Negative purpose

Use in order not to, not in order to not in careful neutral writing: We checked twice in order not to make a mistake. A so-that clause keeps its own subject and negative auxiliary: We checked twice so that the client would not receive the wrong total.

Exercise 4: correct the mistake

1. I called Anna in order she to confirm the address.
2. We left early so that catch the first train.
3. He whispered in order to not wake the baby.
4. She wrote the steps down so that not forget them.
5. I sent Tom a link in order to he could open the page.
6. They saved money so that buy a larger flat.

Exercise 5: translate into English

1. Я записал пароль, чтобы не забыть его.
2. Я записал пароль, чтобы мой брат мог войти.
3. Она говорила тише, чтобы не разбудить ребёнка.
4. Мы включили камеру, чтобы преподаватель мог видеть упражнение.
5. Они вышли раньше, чтобы не опоздать.

Typical mistakes for Russian-speaking learners

• Putting a full subject and verb after in order to.
• Using only an infinitive after so that.
• Ignoring that the performer changes between the two actions.
• Choosing can automatically when the purpose is viewed from the past.
• Placing not in the wrong position in an infinitive phrase.

Self-check and related practice

Continue with modal verbs, conjunctions, however and therefore, contrast clauses, unless, relative clauses, prepositions and mixed tenses.