in order to catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order to catch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the purpose or intention behind an action, indicating that something is done with the aim of catching something or someone. Example: "She practiced every day in order to catch the attention of the talent scouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The West Indies captain Jackie Grant, in a daring move, declared his team's innings closed twice in order to catch the home team on a "sticky wicket".

Wikipedia

In order to catch this bird, it's at night.

The New York Times

In order to catch Thumbelina, the user must use the arrow buttons.

Cornell University

And you no longer cast your net in order to catch the whole sea.

The New Yorker

In London, attendees lined up and camped overnight in order to catch it.

The New Yorker

He'd returned to le Tortue six months ago in order to catch a boat to America.

The New York Times - Magazine

We need to look and think like him in order to catch him.

The New Yorker

In order to catch up to Buffett, I've got 35 years to go.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brer Fox secretly constructs a tar creature in order to catch Brer Rabbit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gannets dive with half-closed wings into the sea in order to catch fish and squid.

Britannica

You have to actually meet someone who has it in order to catch it".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order to catch", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being caught, whether it's a tangible object, a concept, or someone's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "in order to catch" in very simple sentences where "to catch" works just as well. For instance, instead of "I ran fast in order to catch the bus", simply write "I ran fast to catch the bus."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to catch" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it introduces a clause that clarifies the goal of the main action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order to catch" serves as a purpose connector, illuminating the intention behind an action, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically sound and frequently employed, this phrase finds common ground in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "to capture" or "so as to catch", the choice hinges on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Remember to use "in order to catch" judiciously, avoiding redundancy in simpler sentences. This expression is a versatile tool for writers aiming to articulate purpose with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so as to catch

This is a more formal synonym that uses "so as to" instead of "in order to" to indicate purpose.

for the purpose of catching

This phrase emphasizes the purpose behind the action, similar to the original but with a slightly different wording.

to capture

This alternative replaces the entire phrase with a single infinitive verb, simplifying the structure.

with a view to catching

A more formal alternative, common in British English, that expresses the purpose or aim.

with the intention of catching

This alternative explicitly states the intention, making the purpose very clear, but is more verbose.

in an effort to catch

This alternative emphasizes the effort being made to achieve the goal of catching.

aiming to catch

This option uses a participial phrase to indicate the goal or aim of the action.

intending to catch

Similar to "aiming to catch", this highlights the intention behind the action.

seeking to catch

This suggests an active pursuit or search with the goal of catching something.

to be able to catch

This expresses the desire to have the ability to catch something, focusing on capability.

FAQs

What does "in order to catch" mean?

The phrase "in order to catch" indicates the purpose or reason for doing something, specifically with the goal of capturing or attaining something or someone. It is used to explain the motivation behind an action.

How can I use "in order to catch" in a sentence?

You can use "in order to catch" by placing it before the action you are taking to achieve a specific goal. For example, "She set a trap "in order to catch" the mouse".

Are there alternatives to "in order to catch"?

Yes, alternatives include "to capture", "so as to catch", or "for the purpose of catching". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "in order to catch" formal or informal?

"In order to catch" is generally considered more formal than simply using "to catch". In many cases, "to catch" is sufficient and more concise, but "in order to catch" can be used for emphasis or in more formal writing.