The phrase “in order to” is one of the most common connectors in English. It helps explain purpose, intention, or reason, especially in academic, professional, and formal writing. While it’s correct and widely accepted, using it too often can make your writing sound repetitive, stiff, or overly formal.
In 2026, clear and engaging communication matters more than ever—whether you’re writing emails, reports, essays, or content for the web. That’s why learning alternative ways to say “in order to” is so useful. The right alternative can make your sentence shorter, more natural, more formal, or more conversational, depending on the context.
This guide gives you 30+ practical, human-sounding alternatives, with clear meanings, usage tips, and real-life examples that work for students, professionals, ESL learners, and writers.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “in order to” when:
- You want to avoid repetition in writing or speech
- You’re writing professionally (emails, reports, proposals)
- You want your sentence to sound more natural or concise
- You’re writing academic or formal content
- You need to match tone (formal, neutral, conversational)
- You want to improve clarity and flow
⚠️ Avoid or limit alternatives when:
- Absolute clarity is required (legal or technical instructions)
- The alternative sounds too casual for a formal document
30+ Other Ways to Say “In Order To”
1. To
Meaning: Shows purpose in the simplest form.
Usage: Everyday writing and speaking.
Tip: The most natural and commonly preferred option.
Examples:
- She studied hard to pass the exam.
- He left early to avoid traffic.
- We met to discuss the project.
- Save your work to prevent data loss.
2. So that
Meaning: Explains purpose with an outcome.
Usage: When the result matters.
Tip: Often followed by a subject.
Examples:
- Speak clearly so that everyone understands.
- She whispered so that no one would hear.
- Save the file so that you can access it later.
- He trained daily so that he could improve.
3. For the purpose of
Meaning: States a specific intention.
Usage: Formal or academic writing.
Tip: Sounds official and precise.
Examples:
- The meeting was held for the purpose of planning.
- This fund exists for the purpose of education.
- The law was created for the purpose of safety.
- Data was collected for the purpose of analysis.
4. With the aim of
Meaning: Highlights a clear goal.
Usage: Reports, proposals, research.
Tip: Works well with long-term goals.
Examples:
- The campaign launched with the aim of awareness.
- She studied abroad with the aim of growth.
- Training was introduced with the aim of improvement.
- Policies changed with the aim of efficiency.
5. With the intention of
Meaning: Emphasizes planned intent.
Usage: Formal or thoughtful contexts.
Tip: Good for explaining motivation.
Examples:
- He invested with the intention of long-term gain.
- She spoke with the intention of helping.
- The rules changed with the intention of fairness.
- They met with the intention of resolving issues.
6. So as to
Meaning: Formal alternative expressing purpose.
Usage: Academic and formal writing.
Tip: Slightly more formal than “to.”
Examples:
- He spoke softly so as to remain polite.
- The data was encrypted so as to protect privacy.
- She slowed down so as to be careful.
- Changes were made so as to improve results.
7. For
Meaning: Shows reason or purpose.
Usage: Short, clear statements.
Tip: Keep sentences simple to avoid confusion.
Examples:
- This button is for emergencies.
- She called for help.
- The tool is used for cleaning.
- He trained for success.
8. In an effort to
Meaning: Shows an attempt or effort.
Usage: When success is not guaranteed.
Tip: Emphasizes action, not outcome.
Examples:
- He apologized in an effort to fix things.
- Prices were reduced in an effort to attract customers.
- She worked overtime in an effort to meet deadlines.
- The team changed strategy in an effort to win.
9. With a view to
Meaning: Indicates future intention.
Usage: Formal British English.
Tip: Often followed by a noun or -ing form.
Examples:
- He invested with a view to expansion.
- They saved money with a view to buying a house.
- She trained with a view to competing.
- Policies changed with a view to growth.
10. For the sake of
Meaning: Done to benefit something or someone.
Usage: Emotional or ethical contexts.
Tip: Often value-based.
Examples:
- He stayed quiet for the sake of peace.
- She worked late for the sake of her family.
- Rules exist for the sake of safety.
- Compromise for the sake of progress.
11. To ensure
Meaning: To make something certain.
Usage: Professional and technical writing.
Tip: Very clear and purposeful.
Examples:
- Check details to ensure accuracy.
- Backup files to ensure security.
- Train staff to ensure quality.
- Review work to ensure success.
12. To help
Meaning: Shows supportive purpose.
Usage: Instructional or explanatory writing.
Tip: Friendly and clear.
Examples:
- Use examples to help understanding.
- She spoke slowly to help beginners.
- The guide exists to help users.
- Practice daily to help improvement.
13. In order that
Meaning: Formal purpose clause.
Usage: Legal or academic writing.
Tip: Very formal—use sparingly.
Examples:
- Changes were made in order that safety improved.
- Rules exist in order that fairness is maintained.
- Steps were taken in order that errors be reduced.
- Systems were updated in order that efficiency increased.
14. For achieving
Meaning: Focuses on reaching a goal.
Usage: Goal-oriented writing.
Tip: Often used with nouns.
Examples:
- This plan works for achieving success.
- Discipline matters for achieving balance.
- Training helps for achieving consistency.
- Strategy is key for achieving growth.
15. To be able to
Meaning: Shows capability as a purpose.
Usage: Explaining reasons for preparation.
Tip: Natural in spoken English.
Examples:
- She studied to be able to qualify.
- Save money to be able to travel.
- Learn skills to be able to compete.
- Practice to be able to improve.
16. For the goal of
Meaning: Directly states the objective.
Usage: Formal planning contexts.
Tip: Clear and structured.
Examples:
- The project exists for the goal of innovation.
- Training is designed for the goal of efficiency.
- Policies were revised for the goal of fairness.
- Research continues for the goal of discovery.
17. To achieve
Meaning: Purpose focused on success.
Usage: Motivational or professional writing.
Tip: Strong and action-oriented.
Examples:
- Work harder to achieve excellence.
- Plan ahead to achieve stability.
- Collaborate to achieve better results.
- Invest wisely to achieve growth.
18. With hopes of
Meaning: Expresses expectation, not certainty.
Usage: Emotional or uncertain situations.
Tip: Softer than “aim.”
Examples:
- He applied with hopes of acceptance.
- She trained with hopes of winning.
- They negotiated with hopes of agreement.
- He saved money with hopes of freedom.
19. To prevent
Meaning: Purpose of stopping something.
Usage: Safety or risk contexts.
Tip: Clear and direct.
Examples:
- Lock doors to prevent theft.
- Rest well to prevent burnout.
- Update software to prevent errors.
- Educate users to prevent misuse.
20. For better
Meaning: Indicates improvement.
Usage: Informal or motivational.
Tip: Keep context clear.
Examples:
- Change habits for better health.
- Learn daily for better results.
- Communicate openly for better teamwork.
- Plan carefully for better outcomes.
21. As a way to
Meaning: Explains method and purpose.
Usage: Explanatory writing.
Tip: Conversational and clear.
Examples:
- He exercised as a way to stay fit.
- She apologized as a way to heal.
- They simplified steps as a way to help users.
- He volunteered as a way to give back.
22. To make sure
Meaning: Informal version of “ensure.”
Usage: Spoken and casual writing.
Tip: Friendly tone.
Examples:
- Call early to make sure she’s home.
- Review notes to make sure you’re ready.
- Save work to make sure nothing’s lost.
- Ask questions to make sure you understand.
23. With the purpose of
Meaning: Very explicit statement of intent.
Usage: Formal documents.
Tip: Avoid overuse.
Examples:
- The law exists with the purpose of protection.
- Training was added with the purpose of development.
- Meetings occur with the purpose of alignment.
- Research continues with the purpose of innovation.
24. For improving
Meaning: Focuses on enhancement.
Usage: Professional development contexts.
Tip: Best with processes or skills.
Examples:
- Feedback helps for improving performance.
- Practice matters for improving fluency.
- Tools are designed for improving productivity.
- Training exists for improving accuracy.
25. To support
Meaning: Purpose is assistance or help.
Usage: Workplace and education.
Tip: Positive and collaborative.
Examples:
- Policies exist to support employees.
- Tools were created to support learning.
- Leaders act to support growth.
- Feedback helps to support progress.
26. With the goal in mind of
Meaning: Long-term intention.
Usage: Strategic planning.
Tip: Formal but expressive.
Examples:
- They invested with the goal in mind of expansion.
- Training continues with the goal in mind of excellence.
- Changes happened with the goal in mind of efficiency.
- Policies shifted with the goal in mind of fairness.
27. To allow
Meaning: Purpose is permission or ability.
Usage: Instructional writing.
Tip: Clear and functional.
Examples:
- Click here to allow access.
- Rules exist to allow fairness.
- Settings changed to allow flexibility.
- Adjust plans to allow growth.
28. In pursuit of
Meaning: Actively chasing a goal.
Usage: Ambitious or motivational contexts.
Tip: Strong and dynamic.
Examples:
- He moved cities in pursuit of opportunity.
- She trained daily in pursuit of excellence.
- They invested in pursuit of innovation.
- He studied abroad in pursuit of growth.
29. To reach
Meaning: Focused on an endpoint.
Usage: Goals and milestones.
Tip: Simple and clear.
Examples:
- Work hard to reach your goals.
- Save consistently to reach stability.
- Practice daily to reach fluency.
- Collaborate to reach success.
30. For accomplishing
Meaning: Completing something successfully.
Usage: Professional and task-based writing.
Tip: Best with projects.
Examples:
- Planning matters for accomplishing goals.
- Teamwork helps for accomplishing tasks.
- Discipline is key for accomplishing success.
- Focus matters for accomplishing results.
31. As preparation for
Meaning: Purpose is readiness.
Usage: Exams, events, transitions.
Tip: Clear and contextual.
Examples:
- She studied as preparation for exams.
- Training works as preparation for leadership.
- Rest well as preparation for tomorrow.
- Planning helps as preparation for change.
Bonus Section: Formal Alternatives to “In Order To”
- For the purpose of
- With the intention of
- With the aim of
- In order that
- With a view to
Final Writing Tips
- Choose “to” for clarity and simplicity
- Use formal alternatives in academic or professional writing
- Avoid overusing long phrases in short sentences
- Match tone to audience (formal vs casual)
- Focus on clarity over complexity
- Read sentences aloud to check flow
- Mix alternatives naturally to avoid repetition
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