in order to
in order to means “in order to + verb: stating a purpose clearly”. In order to + base verb explains why someone does something: She gets up early in order to catch the first train. Formation: in order to + V (purpose) · in order not to + V
in order to + verb: stating a purpose clearly
A2Formation
in order to + V (purpose) · in order not to + V
Explanation
In order to + base verb explains why someone does something: She gets up early in order to catch the first train. In everyday speech, plain to is usually enough: She gets up early to catch the first train. In order to sounds clearer and a little more formal. Negative purpose: in order not to be late.
Examples
Note
For the negative, in order not to is the natural choice: I left early in order not to miss the bus (plain not to sounds odd here).
FAQ
in order to — what does it mean and how is it used?
in order to + verb: stating a purpose clearly. In order to + base verb explains why someone does something: She gets up early in order to catch the first train. In everyday speech, plain to is usually enough: She gets up early to catch the first train. In order to sounds clearer and a little more formal. Negative purpose: in order not to be late.
in order to — how do you form it?
in order to + V (purpose) · in order not to + V
in order to — any usage notes?
For the negative, in order not to is the natural choice: I left early in order not to miss the bus (plain not to sounds odd here).