20 Other Ways to Say “In Order To” (With Examples)

Finding other ways to say “in order to” can make your writing or speaking sound more natural, engaging, and thoughtful. This phrase often appears in essays, professional writing, and even everyday conversation. But repeating it too much can make your language feel stiff or repetitive. Using alternative expressions for “in order to” helps you communicate intentions, goals, or reasons more clearly while keeping your tone warm and professional. Let’s explore 20 meaningful alternatives that can add variety and depth to your communication.

What Does “In Order To” Mean?

The phrase “in order to” means “for the purpose of” or “so as to achieve something.” It connects an action with its intended goal. For example, “She studies hard in order to pass her exams.” It expresses purpose and intention in a sentence.

Is It Professional or Polite to Say “In Order To”?

Yes, “in order to” is both professional and polite. It’s commonly used in formal writing, business communication, and academic work. However, when used too often, it can sound overly formal. Replacing it with simpler, more natural alternatives can make your message feel more authentic and conversational.

Full List of Synonyms for “In Order To”

1. To
2. So as to
3. For the purpose of
4. With the aim of
5. For the sake of
6. So that
7. In an effort to
8. For the intention of
9. With a view to
10. For the goal of
11. In an attempt to
12. For the benefit of
13. For the objective of
14. For the reason of
15. To achieve
16. For the end of
17. With the purpose of
18. So you can
19. In pursuit of
20. For the desire of

1. To

Meaning: A simple and direct alternative to “in order to,” expressing purpose in a clear, natural way.

Scenario: Used in both formal and casual settings when explaining why someone does something.

Examples:

1. She studies daily to improve her skills.
2. He works overtime to finish the project early.
3. They met to discuss the new plan.
4. I exercise regularly to stay healthy.
5. She saves money to buy a car.

Tone: Straightforward, neutral, and commonly used in everyday speech.

Explanation: “To” is the simplest replacement for “in order to,” and it keeps your writing smooth and easy to follow. It is versatile and suitable for both spoken and written communication.

2. So As To

Meaning: This phrase shows purpose or intention, usually in more formal writing.

Scenario: Common in academic or professional documents where a formal tone is preferred.

Examples:

1. He left early so as to avoid traffic.
2. She spoke slowly so as to be clearly understood.
3. They changed the design so as to meet customer needs.
4. He saved money so as to buy a new phone.
5. I studied hard so as to achieve good grades.

Tone: Polite, formal, and respectful.

Explanation: “So as to” is a polite way to show intention without sounding too direct. It works well in reports, business emails, and essays.

3. For the Purpose Of

Meaning: Indicates a clear and specific reason behind an action.

Scenario: Often used in professional writing or when emphasizing a goal.

Examples:

1. The meeting was held for the purpose of reviewing progress.
2. She trained for the purpose of improving her performance.
3. They gathered for the purpose of planning the event.
4. He saved money for the purpose of buying equipment.
5. We met for the purpose of resolving the issue.

Tone: Formal and purposeful.

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes intentionality and clarity, making it suitable for academic, legal, or business communication.

4. With the Aim Of

Meaning: Expresses a goal or desired result behind an action.

Scenario: Commonly used in professional and academic contexts to show purpose.

Examples:

1. She joined the class with the aim of improving her English.
2. They launched the campaign with the aim of raising awareness.
3. He exercised with the aim of losing weight.
4. The project was started with the aim of increasing productivity.
5. She studied hard with the aim of achieving excellence.

Tone: Polished, thoughtful, and focused.

Explanation: “With the aim of” works perfectly when you want to sound intentional and professional while expressing goals.

5. For the Sake Of

Meaning: Refers to doing something for a cause, benefit, or someone’s good.

Scenario: Used when an action is done out of care, consideration, or necessity.

Examples:

1. She did it for the sake of her family.
2. He stayed quiet for the sake of peace.
3. They changed plans for the sake of fairness.
4. She compromised for the sake of friendship.
5. He endured it for the sake of success.

Tone: Emotional, caring, and sincere.

Explanation: “For the sake of” adds emotional weight, showing that actions are motivated by care or meaningful reasons.

6. So That

Meaning: Used to show purpose or result in both formal and informal writing.

Scenario: Great for conversations or when explaining intentions clearly.

Examples:

1. She worked hard so that she could get promoted.
2. He left early so that he wouldn’t miss the train.
3. They saved money so that they could travel later.
4. I practiced so that I could perform well.
5. She studied late so that she could pass.

Tone: Natural, caring, and goal-oriented.

Explanation: “So that” helps your sentence sound smoother and more human, making it ideal for everyday or friendly communication.

7. In an Effort To

Meaning: Highlights an attempt or effort made to achieve something.

Scenario: Commonly used in formal writing and reports.

Examples:

1. She worked extra hours in an effort to finish the project.
2. He apologized in an effort to make things right.
3. They trained harder in an effort to win the game.
4. The company changed policies in an effort to improve safety.
5. I studied longer in an effort to master the topic.

Tone: Formal, purposeful, and thoughtful.

Explanation: This phrase shows determination and focus, making it suitable for professional or motivational contexts.

8. For the Intention Of

Meaning: Expresses a planned or deliberate reason behind an action.

Scenario: Best for formal discussions or when explaining motives.

Examples:

1. He called for the intention of confirming details.
2. They gathered for the intention of resolving issues.
3. She traveled for the intention of learning more.
4. He joined for the intention of building skills.
5. I wrote for the intention of sharing my ideas.

Tone: Professional, direct, and intentional.

Explanation: It conveys purpose clearly and is effective in structured writing.

9. With a View To

Meaning: Implies having a long-term goal or plan in mind.

Scenario: Commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts.

Examples:

1. They started a business with a view to expanding abroad.
2. She joined classes with a view to improving her skills.
3. He invested money with a view to future profits.
4. We moved with a view to better opportunities.
5. He studied law with a view to becoming a lawyer.

Tone: Polished and professional.

Explanation: “With a view to” works well in contexts involving ambition or long-term planning.

10. For the Goal Of

Meaning: Expresses a specific target or achievement as the reason for action.

Scenario: Used in goal-oriented writing or discussions.

Examples:

1. He trained daily for the goal of winning the race.
2. She worked hard for the goal of promotion.
3. They invested money for the goal of growth.
4. I practiced for the goal of confidence.
5. We planned carefully for the goal of success.

Tone: Motivational, strong, and driven.

Explanation: Ideal for expressing ambition and clarity of purpose in both writing and conversation.

11. In an Attempt To

Meaning: Used when someone tries to achieve or accomplish something.

Scenario: Best for expressing effort or determination, whether successful or not.

Examples:

1. She called several times in an attempt to reach her friend.
2. He apologized in an attempt to make peace.
3. They worked hard in an attempt to meet the deadline.
4. The teacher simplified the topic in an attempt to help students understand.
5. I joined the course in an attempt to improve my communication.

Tone: Formal, thoughtful, and honest.

Explanation: “In an attempt to” highlights the effort made toward a purpose, even if the result is uncertain. It’s a gentle way to show persistence or sincerity in one’s actions.

12. For the Benefit Of

Meaning: This phrase shows that something is done to help or serve someone or something.

Scenario: Used in contexts where the focus is on support, kindness, or improvement.

Examples:

1. She donated books for the benefit of local children.
2. The company improved safety for the benefit of employees.
3. He shared knowledge for the benefit of his peers.
4. They hosted the event for the benefit of charity.
5. The project was started for the benefit of the community.

Tone: Compassionate, respectful, and formal.

Explanation: This phrase shows good intentions or acts of service, making it perfect for professional and humanitarian contexts.

13. For the Objective Of

Meaning: Expresses a clear and measurable target or purpose.

Scenario: Often used in business, education, or project-related writing.

Examples:

1. The meeting was arranged for the objective of discussing results.
2. They created the plan for the objective of improving performance.
3. She studied for the objective of gaining certification.
4. The training was conducted for the objective of employee growth.
5. We organized the event for the objective of community development.

Tone: Formal, focused, and precise.

Explanation: “For the objective of” adds clarity and professionalism to your communication, making it ideal for structured or official writing.

14. For the Reason Of

Meaning: Explains the specific cause or motivation behind an action.

Scenario: Used when you want to emphasize why something was done.

Examples:

1. She left early for the reason of feeling unwell.
2. He apologized for the reason of maintaining peace.
3. They changed the plan for the reason of safety.
4. I joined the club for the reason of learning more.
5. We stayed longer for the reason of helping others.

Tone: Clear, explanatory, and neutral.

Explanation: This phrase helps the reader or listener understand why an action took place, making your message sound thoughtful and transparent.

15. To Achieve

Meaning: Focuses on the goal or result someone wants to reach.

Scenario: Common in both personal and professional discussions.

Examples:

1. She trained daily to achieve her dream.
2. He worked hard to achieve excellence.
3. They collaborated to achieve better results.
4. I studied late to achieve higher grades.
5. We practiced teamwork to achieve success.

Tone: Motivational, purposeful, and inspiring.

Explanation: “To achieve” shows determination and clarity of purpose, making it a strong and confident way to replace “in order to.”

16. For the End Of

Meaning: Indicates a final result or desired outcome.

Scenario: Often used in writing where the conclusion or purpose is clear.

Examples:

1. They worked together for the end of mutual benefit.
2. He studied hard for the end of academic success.
3. The team met for the end of problem-solving.
4. She practiced daily for the end of mastery.
5. We joined hands for the end of community improvement.

Tone: Formal, focused, and concise.

Explanation: This phrase connects actions directly to the intended final outcome, which makes it sound goal-oriented and structured.

17. With the Purpose Of

Meaning: Clearly shows why something is being done.

Scenario: Commonly used in academic or formal contexts where intention needs emphasis.

Examples:

1. She enrolled with the purpose of gaining knowledge.
2. He spoke with the purpose of clearing misunderstandings.
3. They met with the purpose of collaboration.
4. I joined with the purpose of improving my skills.
5. The event was held with the purpose of inspiring youth.

Tone: Clear, purposeful, and professional.

Explanation: “With the purpose of” is a refined version of “in order to”, perfect for formal writing that highlights intention.

18. So You Can

Meaning: Expresses a personal or helpful intention behind an action.

Scenario: Used in friendly or conversational tones.

Examples:

1. I’m sending this file so you can review it later.
2. She’s explaining again so you can understand better.
3. I wrote notes so you can study easily.
4. He fixed the issue so you can continue working.
5. They simplified the form so you can fill it quickly.

Tone: Warm, helpful, and caring.

Explanation: This phrase adds human warmth and understanding to communication, making it sound supportive and kind.

19. In Pursuit Of

Meaning: Shows effort toward a long-term dream or ambition.

Scenario: Used in motivational or formal contexts to describe dedicated action.

Examples:

1. She works tirelessly in pursuit of success.
2. He studies daily in pursuit of excellence.
3. They sacrifice time in pursuit of their dreams.
4. We practice regularly in pursuit of mastery.
5. The company innovates in pursuit of progress.

Tone: Inspirational, determined, and professional.

Explanation: “In pursuit of” evokes a sense of drive, ambition, and purpose, making it ideal for motivational or visionary writing.

20. For the Desire Of

Meaning: Expresses a strong personal wish or motivation.

Scenario: Suitable for emotional, artistic, or reflective expressions.

Examples:

1. She worked late for the desire of creating something meaningful.
2. He traveled far for the desire of learning new things.
3. They helped others for the desire of making a difference.
4. I studied hard for the desire of achieving my goals.
5. She wrote poems for the desire of self-expression.

Tone: Emotional, sincere, and heartfelt.

Explanation: This phrase adds emotional depth and individuality to your message, showing the heartfelt reason behind an action.

Conclusion

Using different ways to say “in order to” can help you add variety, tone, and warmth to your writing or speaking. Whether you’re crafting a professional email, academic essay, or heartfelt message, choosing the right phrase makes your words sound natural, confident, and meaningful. Try mixing these alternatives to suit your tone and intention each time you write or speak.

FAQs

1. What can I say instead of “in order to” in formal writing?

You can use alternatives like “so as to,” “with the aim of,” or “for the purpose of.” These sound professional and clear.

2. What’s the simplest alternative to “in order to”?

The simplest and most natural replacement is “to.” It keeps your sentence short and direct.

3. Can I use “so that” instead of “in order to”?

Yes, absolutely! “So that” is great for expressing purpose in both spoken and written English.

4. What’s a creative way to replace “in order to” in casual conversation?

Try saying “so you can” — it sounds friendly, natural, and caring.

5. Is “in order to” too formal for everyday use?

Sometimes yes. In casual speech, it can sound stiff, so it’s often better to use “to” or “so that.”