in order that

USAGE SUMMARY

"in order that" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when introducing a purpose clause, as in the following example: I consulted my lawyer in order that I could understand my legal rights.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She points to one, "The World in Order," that shows neat rows of houses, back to back and connected.

The New York Times - Arts

In order that exists, we need.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In order that converges a.s., it is sufficient that.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

are located in order that intricately designed invitations can be distributed.

Huffington Post

Although the Greek judicial system is now putting its house in order, that is not enough.

EU Parlament

"In order that the body couldn't be identified".

The New Yorker

You die in order that your child will live.

The Guardian

In order that love lasts one has to reinvent oneself".

The Guardian

They did invite church leaders to previews in order that they could "present the message".

The Guardian - Film

But in order that we can remain in the European Union, the EU must change".

The Guardian

So Ronnie Knight lied throughout the marriage in order that they might both maintain this notion?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in order that" to clearly state the purpose or reason behind an action, especially in formal writing where clarity and precision are important. While correct, consider simpler alternatives like "so that" in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in order that" excessively in informal writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler conjunctions like "so that" or "to" when the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the purpose or reason for the action in the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its use in purpose clauses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in order that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction that indicates purpose or reason. Ludwig AI confirms that it's perfectly acceptable. While prevalent across various sources, it's particularly common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Though perfectly valid, remember that simpler alternatives like "so that" often suffice, particularly in less formal settings. While "in order that" is technically correct, be cautious not to overuse it, as excessive formality can make writing sound stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so that

A more concise and commonly used alternative, conveying the same meaning of purpose.

in order to

Omits the 'that', creating a slightly less formal tone while retaining the purpose-driven meaning.

to the end that

A more formal and emphatic alternative, highlighting the intended outcome or result.

with the aim of

Focuses on the intention or goal behind an action, rather than the direct purpose.

for the purpose of

Explicitly states the reason or intention behind an action, often used in formal contexts.

so as to

Similar to "in order to", but generally considered more formal and somewhat archaic.

with the intention that

Emphasizes the premeditated nature of the action, focusing on the actor's intent.

in the hope that

Expresses a desired outcome that may not be certain, adding an element of anticipation.

to ensure that

Highlights the act of guaranteeing a specific result or condition.

for this reason

Shifts focus to the justification or rationale behind a decision or action.

FAQs

How can I use "in order that" in a sentence?

Use "in order that" to introduce a clause that explains the purpose of an action. For example, "I saved money "in order that" I could buy a new car."

What's a simpler alternative to "in order that"?

A simpler and more common alternative is "so that". For example, instead of "I studied hard in order that I would pass the exam", you can say "I studied hard so that I would pass the exam".

Is it always necessary to use "in order that" for expressing purpose?

No, "in order that" is not always necessary. You can often use the infinitive form of a verb instead. For instance, instead of "She exercised in order that she might get fit", you can say "She exercised to get fit".

What is the difference between "in order to" and "in order that"?

"In order to" is followed by a verb, while "in order that" is followed by a subject and a verb. For example, "I went to the store in order to buy milk" vs. "I went to the store "in order that" I could make breakfast".