Expressing Purpose Exercises (So That, In Order To, To) With Answers

Expressing Purposes Exercises With Answers

Looking for expressing purpose exercises with answers?
On this page, you’ll find clear explanations and interactive purpose clauses exercises using to, in order to, so that, and so as not to.

These exercises are ideal for ESL/EFL learners preparing for exams or improving their English grammar skills.

Before starting the activities, review the short lesson below.

What Are Clauses of Purpose?

A clause of purpose explains why someone does something.

We use different structures to express purpose in English:

  • To + base verb
  • In order to + base verb
  • So as to + base verb
  • So that + subject + verb
  • So as not to + base verb

Examples:

  • She studies hard to pass the exam.
  • He left early in order to catch the bus.
  • They whispered so that nobody could hear them.
  • She took a taxi so as not to be late.

Now let’s practice.

Expressing Purpose Exercises with Answers

Do the exercises below on the expressions of purpose and click on the button to check your answers.

(Before doing the exercises, you may want to read the lesson on purpose.)

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct expression of purpose.

  1. Concentrate on your exercise make any mistakes.
  2. You have to wake up be on time.
  3. You have to register participate in the forum.
  4. She left work early be at home when he arrives.
  5. Ships carry life boats the crew can escape when the ship sinks.
  6. I will go to university continue my studies.
  7. He exercises regularly be overweight.
  8. you can produce a good essay, you need to edit your writing before you hand it in.
  9. She works hard she can earn a living.
  10. These men risk their lives we may live more safely.

Need more practice? Here are more purpose exercises!

More Clauses of Purpose Exercises with Answers

In the following exercises, you will transform sentences using different expressions of purpose such as to, in order to, so that, and so as not to.

Exercise 2 – Rewrite Using “So That”

Rewrite the sentences using so that.

  1. She studies hard to pass the exam.
  2. He wore gloves to protect his hands.
  3. They left early to avoid traffic.
  4. She whispered to avoid waking the baby.
  5. I saved money to buy a car.
  6. He trains daily to improve his performance.
  7. We turned off the lights to save electricity.
  8. She wrote it down to remember it.
  9. They moved closer to hear the speaker.
  10. He locked the door to prevent theft.
1. She studies hard so that she can pass the exam.
2. He wore gloves so that he could protect his hands.
3. They left early so that they could avoid traffic.
4. She whispered so that she wouldn’t wake the baby.
5. I saved money so that I could buy a car.
6. He trains daily so that he can improve his performance.
7. We turned off the lights so that we could save electricity.
8. She wrote it down so that she could remember it.
9. They moved closer so that they could hear the speaker.
10. He locked the door so that he could prevent theft.

Exercise 3 – Sentence Transformation (In Order To / So As To)

Rewrite the sentences using in order to or so as to.

  1. She left early to catch the bus.
  2. He studies every day to succeed.
  3. They saved money to travel abroad.
  4. She exercises to stay fit.
  5. He spoke quietly to avoid problems.
  6. We hurried to arrive on time.
  7. I called him to confirm the meeting.
  8. She checked the address to avoid confusion.
  9. They trained hard to win the match.
  10. He apologized to avoid conflict.
1. She left early in order to catch the bus.
2. He studies every day in order to succeed.
3. They saved money so as to travel abroad.
4. She exercises in order to stay fit.
5. He spoke quietly so as to avoid problems.
6. We hurried in order to arrive on time.
7. I called him so as to confirm the meeting.
8. She checked the address in order to avoid confusion.
9. They trained hard so as to win the match.
10. He apologized in order to avoid conflict.

Exercise 4 – Error Correction (Purpose Clauses)

Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

  1. She left early for catch the bus.
  2. He studies hard so that pass the exam.
  3. I woke up early for not be late.
  4. They trained so as winning the match.
  5. She whispered so to not wake the baby.
  6. He works hard for he can earn money.
  7. We turned off the lights so save energy.
  8. She called him for confirm the news.
  9. He locked the door so that prevent theft.
  10. I went to the bank for withdraw money.
1. She left early to catch the bus. 2. He studies hard so that he can pass the exam. 3. I woke up early so as not to be late. 4. They trained so as to win the match. 5. She whispered so as not to wake the baby. 6. He works hard so that he can earn money. 7. We turned off the lights to save energy. 8. She called him to confirm the news. 9. He locked the door so that he could prevent theft. 10. I went to the bank to withdraw money.

Difference Between “To” and “So That”

Recap banner for a review of espressions of purpose
StructureExampleUsage
To + verbShe studies to pass.Same subject
So that + clauseShe studies so that she can pass.Often different subject
In order toFormal version of toEmphasis
So as not toNegative purposeAvoid something

Common Mistakes in Expressing Purpose

❌ Using for + verb
✔ Use to + verb

❌ Forgetting the subject after so that
✔ Use full clause: so that + subject + verb

❌ Writing: “for to”
✔ This structure does not exist in modern English.

FAQ About Purpose Clauses

What is a clause of purpose?

A clause of purpose explains why an action is performed.

What is the difference between “to” and “so that”?

“To” is followed by a base verb.
“So that” is followed by a subject and verb.

When do we use “so as not to”?

We use it to express a negative purpose (to avoid something).

Can we use “for” to express purpose?

Yes, but not before a base verb. We use to, not for, before verbs. For is typically followed by a noun or an -ing verb (gerund) 
Examples:
– The dog lay down for a nap
– This tool is used for gardening

Tags: Exercises on Language Structures and Usage
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