Clauses of Purpose Examples With So That, Lest and In Order To

A clause of purpose is a clause that states why someone does something, and it begins with words such as so that, in order that, or lest. These 301 clauses of purpose examples are written for so that, in order that, lest, to-infinitives, in order to, so as to, negative and question forms, and everyday contexts from home to sports. You get model sentences for essays, emails, and exam practice, together with related practice on adverb clauses, dependent clauses, and infinitive phrases.

Quick Answer: Clauses of Purpose Examples

• So that: Leave the porch light on so that the guests can find the door.
• In order that: The library extended its hours in order that pupils could revise before exams.
• Lest: Tara spoke quietly lest the guard hear her.
• To: Noor boiled water to make tea.
• In order to: The team met on Friday in order to plan the trip.
• So as to: He rose early so as to watch the sunrise.
• So as not to: She tiptoed past the room so as not to wake her father.
• For: Aisha went to the market for some fresh herbs.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Everyday Use

So that, to, in order to, so as to, for, and lest state the aim of an action, as in “to buy a bicycle”, “for cutting bread”, and “to save money”.

1. Mei set two alarms so that she would not oversleep.
2. Kofi saved every coin to buy a bicycle.
3. We left early in order to find a parking space.
4. Hamid spoke slowly so that everyone could follow him.
5. Priya wore a thick coat so as to stay warm.
6. Omar went to the bakery for fresh bread.
7. This old knife is for cutting bread.
8. Ravi hid the gift lest his sister find it.
9. Luis studied hard so that he could enter medical school.
10. Nia called the hotel to confirm her booking.
11. The council closed the road so that engineers could repair the bridge.
12. Dmitri took notes in order to remember the lecture.
13. She stood on a chair so as to reach the top shelf.
14. We planted trees so that the village would have shade.
15. Aiko turned on the heater so that the room would warm up.
16. Rahul walked to work to save money.
17. The teacher spoke clearly so that the back row could hear.
18. Fatima opened the window to let in some fresh air.
19. The club holds a market every spring in order that local farmers may sell their produce.
20. Tomas wrote the address down so as not to forget it.

Conjunction Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

A clause of purpose begins with so that, in order that, or lest.

Purpose Clause Examples with So That for Future Aims

With so that, the clause names a present or future aim, as in “so that I can catch the first bus”, “so that she can travel in the summer”, and “so that nobody will make the same mistake”.

1. I leave early so that I can catch the first bus.
2. She will call tonight so that you will know the plan.
3. Switch on the lamp so that we can see the map.
4. Hana is saving money so that she can travel in the summer.
5. Lock the gate so that the dog will not escape.
6. The school has installed a ramp so that everyone can enter.
7. I am explaining the rule again so that nobody will make the same mistake.
8. Mum has packed lunch so that we can eat on the train.
9. Speak up so that the whole class can hear you.
10. Luis will set an alarm so that he can wake before sunrise.

Purpose Clause Examples with So That for Past Aims

Past aims follow so that, as in “so that the baby would not wake”, “so that she would not forget the shopping”, and “so that his sister could study”.

1. Sven spoke softly so that the baby would not wake.
2. Zainab locked the door so that nobody could enter.
3. The mayor opened the gates so that crowds could reach the square.
4. Camila wrote a list so that she would not forget the shopping.
5. We took a taxi so that we could arrive before noon.
6. The coach changed the plan so that every player would get a turn.
7. Olu turned the radio down so that his sister could study.
8. They built a fence so that the sheep would stay in the field.
9. Mei gave him a map so that he could find the farm.
10. The nurse lowered the blinds so that the patient could sleep.

Purpose Clause Examples with So That in Formal Writing

Formal writing uses a modal verb after so that, as in “so that members might study the report” and “so that visitors may rest between sessions”.

1. The committee circulated copies so that members might study the report.
2. Rooms are reserved so that visitors may rest between sessions.
3. Notes are provided so that students may revise at home.
4. The treasurer filed the accounts so that shareholders might inspect them.
5. A shelter was built so that travellers might find rest.
6. The charity publishes its budget so that donors may see how funds are used.
7. The registrar posted the dates so that applicants may prepare.

Clauses of Purpose Examples with In Order That and Lest

In order that and lest begin a clause for an aim or a danger to avoid, as in “in order that families might remain together” and “lest thieves should enter”.

1. The law was amended in order that families might remain together.
2. The museum reduced its prices in order that more schoolchildren could visit.
3. Staff will attend training in order that standards may improve.
4. The council extended the deadline in order that residents would have time to respond.
5. He wrote under a pen name in order that his family should not be troubled.
6. The charter was translated in order that every citizen might read it.
7. The college offers evening classes in order that working adults can study.
8. The delegates met in private in order that they could speak freely.
9. Ingrid whispered lest she wake the baby in the next room.
10. The guard locked the vault lest thieves should enter.
11. Tomas wrote the date down lest he forget it.
12. The sailors reefed the sails lest the storm tear them.
13. She hid the letter lest her brother should read it.
14. The villagers kept silent lest the soldiers hear them.
15. We checked the brakes twice lest the bus fail on the hill.
16. Hana tidied the room lest her guests think her careless.

Phrase Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

An infinitive or a for phrase states the aim of an action.

Purpose Phrase Examples with To-Infinitives

To plus a base verb names the aim of an action, as in “to repair the roof”, “to borrow a dictionary”, and “to build a fire”.

1. Sven climbed the ladder to repair the roof.
2. Priya ran to catch the last train.
3. Omar visited the bank to open an account.
4. We called the plumber to fix the leak.
5. Luis went to the library to borrow a dictionary.
6. Ana uses her phone to learn Spanish.
7. The farmers rose at dawn to milk the cows.
8. Hana wrote a letter to thank her teacher.
9. Kofi stopped at the shop to buy some milk.
10. The children gathered wood to build a fire.
11. Nia wore gloves to protect her hands.
12. Mei came to the office to meet the director.
13. The team trained daily to win the league.
14. Rahul took a taxi to arrive on time.

Purpose Examples with In Order To and So As To

Both in order to and so as to are followed by a base verb, as in “in order to avoid the traffic” and “so as to be on time”.

1. We left at six in order to avoid the traffic.
2. The company cut costs in order to survive the recession.
3. Hana revised every night in order to pass the entrance exam.
4. Researchers interviewed fifty families in order to understand local habits.
5. Tomas arrived early in order to find a good seat.
6. The city planted trees in order to reduce summer heat.
7. Dmitri took the night train in order to save money on a hotel.
8. She spoke to the manager in order to resolve the complaint.
9. Ingrid saved her notes in order to prepare for the final test.
10. The pupils lined up quietly in order to enter the hall.
11. Zainab learned Portuguese in order to work in Brazil.
12. The engineers tested the bridge twice in order to ensure its safety.
13. The hikers started at dawn so as to reach the summit before dark.
14. Lina spoke privately so as to avoid embarrassing him.
15. The firm hired extra staff so as to meet the deadline.
16. We walked quickly so as to be on time.
17. Sven wore a helmet so as to protect his head.
18. Aiko stretched her legs so as to relieve the cramp.
19. The clerk checked each form twice so as to avoid errors.
20. The shop opens early so as to serve commuters.
21. Olu saved half his salary so as to buy a house.
22. Hamid lowered his voice so as to calm the child.

Negative Clauses of Purpose Examples with Not

Inside the clause of purpose, not or n’t makes the aim negative, as in “so as not to wake the baby”, “in order not to burn”, and “in order not to wake the patients”.

1. He whispered so as not to wake the baby.
2. Priya left early in order not to miss the train.
3. Zainab set a reminder so that she would not forget the appointment.
4. We walked on tiptoe so as not to disturb the class.
5. Kofi wore sunscreen in order not to burn.
6. Mei wrote the password down so that she wouldn’t lose it.
7. The driver slowed down so as not to skid on the ice.
8. Tomas turned his phone off so that he would not be interrupted.
9. The nurse closed the door in order not to wake the patients.
10. Luis packed carefully so that the glasses would not break.
11. Ingrid checked the map twice so as not to get lost.
12. They kept the plan secret so that the surprise would not be spoiled.

Purpose Phrase Examples with For and a Noun

For plus a noun phrase names the aim, as in “for a walk”, “for a quick lunch”, and “for an appointment”.

1. Nia went to the park for a walk.
2. Thousands of visitors arrived for the spring festival.
3. Hamid knocked on the door for help.
4. We stopped at the café for a quick lunch.
5. The students gathered in the hall for the prize ceremony.
6. Ana ran to the shop for some matches.
7. Dmitri phoned the clinic for an appointment.
8. Luis went to the market for fresh figs.
9. She stayed behind for a word with the teacher.
10. I called my cousin for advice.

Purpose Phrase Examples with For and an -ing Form

Naming the use of an object or a place, for is followed by an -ing form, as in “for serving soup”, “for weighing flour”, and “for planning the budget”.

1. This ladle is used for serving soup.
2. Dad keeps a drill for making holes in the wall.
3. The app is designed for tracking daily steps.
4. Fatima bought a scale for weighing flour.
5. This room is reserved for studying.
6. A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature.
7. We use a spreadsheet for planning the budget.
8. The old barn is now used for storing grain.
9. Hana keeps a notebook for recording her dreams.
10. Scissors are tools for cutting paper and cloth.

Different Subject Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

Each clause has its own subject, as in “for you to sit on”, “for buses to enter safely”, and “for the children to draw”.

1. She opened the door so that the cat could come in.
2. I brought a chair for you to sit on.
3. The teacher repeated the rule so that the pupils could write it down.
4. Dad left the porch light on for us to find the house.
5. Lina baked two cakes so that her guests could take one home.
6. The council built a path for walkers to cross the marsh.
7. Tomas moved aside so that the nurse could pass.
8. The school opened a new gate for buses to enter safely.
9. Mum cut the apple so that the baby could hold a piece.
10. They cleared the table for the children to draw.

Tense Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

Main verbs in the present, perfect, past, and future tenses come with a clause of purpose, as in “so that she can pass the exam”, “so that he could see the final”, and “so that we will not miss the flight”.

1. Nia studies every evening so that she can pass the exam.
2. Hamid studied late last night so that he could finish the project.
3. Sven will leave a spare key so that you can enter.
4. Mei has saved for years so that she can buy a small flat.
5. Dmitri had hurried home so that he could see the final.
6. The shop is open late this week so that customers can finish their holiday shopping.
7. Luis was running so that he would arrive before the gates closed.
8. They are painting the fence so that the house will look tidy for the wedding.
9. Ana has booked a taxi so that we will not miss the flight.
10. The pilot had changed course so that the plane could avoid the storm.
11. We will cancel the picnic so that nobody will get wet.
12. Kofi was practising scales so that his fingers would move faster.

Question Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

Questions end with a clause or phrase of purpose, as in “to fix the gutter”, “for storing medicine”, and “lest his son find it”.

1. Did Hana take notes so that she could review them later?
2. Did Omar bring a ladder to fix the gutter?
3. Do you use this brush for painting walls?
4. Did Nia leave early in order to catch the first bus?
5. Will Sven call tonight so that Mira can plan the trip?
6. Are the lights on so that the guests can see the path?
7. Did the inspectors visit the bridge so as to measure the cracks?
8. Is this cabinet meant for storing medicine?
9. Did Tomas hide the key lest his son find it?
10. Did Mei save money so that she could visit her brother?
11. Is this app designed for tracking sleep?

Negative Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

Not, never, nobody, or no one is used in the main clause.

1. Nobody left early so that the speaker could finish.
2. We never lock the gate so that the dog can come and go.
3. The shop does not open on Sundays so that staff can rest.
4. Hana never raises her voice so as to keep the peace.
5. The council has not raised fees so that families can afford the pool.
6. Tomas does not carry cash to avoid theft.
7. No one in the choir wears perfume so that singers with allergies can breathe.
8. The museum never moves the exhibits in order that visitors may find their favourites.

Reported and Passive Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

Reported speech or a passive verb is used with the clause of purpose, as in “in order to be repaired” and “to ease traffic”.

1. Karim said that he was leaving early so that he could catch the ferry.
2. The rules were changed so that every pupil could take part.
3. The bridge was closed in order to be repaired.
4. Ingrid explained that the gates stay locked so that no one can wander in.
5. The documents were translated so that foreign investors could read them.
6. The mayor announced that the road would be widened to ease traffic.
7. The hall was cleaned in order that the exam might begin on time.
8. Nadia told us that she took a map so as to avoid getting lost.

Context Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

Homes, classrooms, offices, journeys, newsrooms, stories, sports, and clinics are the settings for the purpose clauses.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Home Life

At home, the clauses describe meals, heating, and household tasks, as in “to warm the room”, “for cooking”, and “to remove the sticky marks”.

1. Dad set the table so that everyone could eat together.
2. Lina turns on the heater to warm the room.
3. Mum hides the sweets on the top shelf so that the children cannot reach them.
4. Ana washed the curtains in order to remove the smell of smoke.
5. The family planted herbs by the kitchen window for cooking.
6. Tomas lit a candle so as to create a calm mood.
7. I use a timer for measuring cooking time.
8. Grandmother knits wool socks to keep us warm in winter.
9. Dad opened the windows so that the smell of paint would fade.
10. Mum froze the soup in order to save it for later.
11. Lina wiped the table to remove the sticky marks.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for School Life

In the classroom, the clauses describe lessons, books, and school routines, as in “for extra help”, “so as to remember them”, and “to announce the new timetable”.

1. The teacher wrote the date on the board so that pupils could copy it.
2. Nia stayed after class for extra help.
3. Kofi borrowed a dictionary to check the spelling.
4. The school bought tablets in order that every pupil could research online.
5. Mei highlights key words so as to remember them.
6. The class rehearsed daily to perform well at the festival.
7. Pupils leave their bags in the hall so that the corridor stays clear.
8. The head teacher called an assembly to announce the new timetable.
9. Ms Rivera drew a chart on the board so that the class could follow the steps.
10. Hana asked a question to clear up her doubt about the homework.
11. The pupils formed a circle in order to share their stories.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Work

At work, the clauses describe managers, offices, and meetings, as in “to confirm the meeting” and “for scheduling meetings”.

1. The manager hired two assistants so that the team could meet the deadline.
2. Camila sends a reminder email to confirm the meeting.
3. Hamid backed up the files in order to prevent data loss.
4. The firm opened a branch in Nairobi so as to reach new customers.
5. We use a shared calendar for scheduling meetings.
6. Ingrid took a course so that she could qualify for a promotion.
7. The clerk stamped each form to show that it was checked.
8. The company trained its staff in order that service would improve.
9. The director scheduled a call so that the whole team could join.
10. Camila printed the agenda to give each guest a copy.
11. The accountant checked the totals twice so as to catch any error.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Travel

On the road, the clauses describe flights, ferries, and journeys, as in “to check in our bags” and “to talk with local people”.

1. Aiko booked a seat early so that she could sit by the window.
2. We arrived at the airport at five to check in our bags.
3. Rahul carried a phrasebook to talk with local people.
4. The tour company runs extra buses so that visitors can reach the beach.
5. Sven left the hotel at dawn in order to see the sunrise.
6. We took the ferry for the view of the coast.
7. The pilot slowed the plane so as to avoid the storm.
8. Fatima exchanged money so that she could pay the taxi.
9. The family left home at four in order to catch the early flight.
10. Mira bought a guidebook to find the best cafés in Lisbon.
11. The driver stopped the bus so that the passengers could take photographs.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for News Reports

In news reports, the clauses describe officials, scientists, and engineers, as in “to keep the crowd safe”, “to measure ocean temperatures”, and “to explain the new budget”.

1. The government raised wages so that families could cope with prices.
2. Police closed the square to keep the crowd safe.
3. The council opened shelters in order that residents could escape the cold.
4. Scientists launched the satellite to measure ocean temperatures.
5. The ministry published the figures so that the public could judge the results.
6. Engineers drained the lake so as to repair the dam.
7. Aid workers travelled by boat to reach the flooded villages.
8. The city introduced a bus lane so that commuters would arrive faster.
9. The mayor held a press conference to explain the new budget.
10. Scientists tagged the whales so that they could follow their routes.
11. Engineers closed the tunnel in order to inspect the walls.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Stories

Stories use purpose clauses for knights, sailors, and secrets, as in “to reach the castle before dawn”, “so as to keep it safe”, and “to heal the sleeping king”.

1. The knight rode through the night to reach the castle before dawn.
2. The widow hid the letter lest her son should find it.
3. The stranger pulled his hood low so that nobody would recognise him.
4. The villagers lit fires on the hill in order that the sailors could find the harbour.
5. She sewed a map into her coat so as to keep it safe.
6. The old sailor told his tale for the pleasure of the young listeners.
7. The prince crept down the stairs so as not to wake the guards.
8. The witch brewed a potion to heal the sleeping king.
9. The sailor buried the chest so that no thief would find it.
10. The princess wore a cloak to hide her face from the guards.
11. The old woman lit a lantern in order that the lost children might see the path.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Sports

In sport, the clauses describe coaches, training, and matches, as in “to prepare for the marathon”, “so as to avoid injury”, and “to improve her grip”.

1. The coach called a break so that the players could rest.
2. Nia trains at dawn to prepare for the marathon.
3. The team wore white shirts in order that supporters could spot them.
4. Luis stretched for ten minutes so as to avoid injury.
5. The referee stopped the game to check the screen.
6. Kofi bought new boots for playing on wet grass.
7. The club built a second pitch so that younger players could train.
8. The runners drank water at each station in order not to become dehydrated.
9. The goalkeeper wore gloves to improve her grip.
10. The coach shouted instructions so that the defenders could hear him.
11. Luis drank a sports drink in order to restore his energy.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Health

At the clinic, the clauses describe nurses, doctors, and daily care, as in “to support her immune system”, “for resting after treatment”, and “in order not to faint”.

1. The nurse opened the curtains so that the patient could see the garden.
2. Hana takes vitamins to support her immune system.
3. The doctor ordered a scan in order to check the bone.
4. Grandfather walks daily so that his heart stays strong.
5. The clinic keeps a quiet room for resting after treatment.
6. Omar uses a brace to support his knee.
7. The pharmacist labelled each bottle so that patients would take the right dose.
8. Ingrid drank water before the test in order not to faint.
9. The doctor asked Mira to rest so that her ankle could heal.
10. Omar took a short walk after dinner to help his digestion.
11. The nurse wrote the times on the chart so that the next shift would know the schedule.

Kids and Student Sentences with Clauses of Purpose

The wording ranges from short beginner sentences to formal exam answers.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Kids

For kids, short clauses describe everyday routines and play, as in “to keep them clean”, “for drawing pictures”, and “to buy a kite”.

1. I brush my teeth to keep them clean.
2. We feed the birds so that they can eat in winter.
3. Dad gave me a coat so that I would stay warm.
4. The boy ran to catch the bus.
5. I use crayons for drawing pictures.
6. Mum went to the shop for bread.
7. We close the gate so that the puppy cannot run out.
8. Grandma lit a lamp so that we could read.
9. Ben saved coins to buy a kite.
10. I put my toys away so as not to trip.
11. I wear boots so that my feet stay dry.
12. We water the plants to help them grow.

Short Purpose Examples for Beginners

Beginners use to or for after a short statement, as in “to win”, “to hide”, and “to rest”.

1. I run to win.
2. We eat to grow.
3. I read to learn.
4. Cats climb to hide.
5. Birds fly to find food.
6. I smile to be kind.
7. We sleep to rest.
8. Pens are for writing.
9. Ann goes for milk.

Clauses of Purpose Examples for Exams

For exam answers, formal wording describes research, policy, and writing, as in “to discourage excessive consumption”, “for preventing contamination”, and “in order to encourage borrowing”.

1. Governments subsidise solar panels so that households can reduce their energy costs.
2. The researchers anonymised the data in order to protect participants’ privacy.
3. The author uses short sentences so as to create a sense of urgency.
4. Policymakers introduced the tax to discourage excessive consumption.
5. Students must cite their sources so that readers can verify the claims.
6. The treaty was drafted in order that neither nation would feel disadvantaged.
7. The novelist withholds the narrator’s name lest the reader should form a fixed image.
8. Laboratories use sterile gloves for preventing contamination.
9. The company diversified its products so as not to depend on a single market.
10. The committee delayed the vote so that members could consider the new evidence.
11. The university published the data so that other researchers could repeat the study.
12. The government cut interest rates in order to encourage borrowing.

FAQs

Related:

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• Clauses Of Contrast Examples
• Complex Sentence Examples
• Independent Clause Examples
• Relative Clause Example Sentences
• Bare Infinitive Examples
• Infinitive Example Sentences