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Tag: how to use adverbs of purpose in English grammar
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Adverbs of Purpose in English: Grammar Rules, Usage & Examples
Adverbs of Purpose in the English Language: A Complete Guide
In English grammar, adverbs of purpose play a crucial role in expressing the reason or purpose behind an action. They help us answer the question “Why?” by providing clarity and logical flow to our sentences. Whether you are writing an academic essay, having a conversation, or composing a business email, using adverbs of purpose correctly can enhance your communication skills.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the definition, types, and usage of adverbs of purpose with examples, helping you master them effortlessly.
Let’s dive in!
Common Expressions
Here are some commonly used sentences with adverbs of purpose in daily life:
- I study hard so that I can pass the exam.
- She left early to catch the bus.
- He apologized to make up for his mistake.
- We exercise regularly for the sake of our health.
- They moved to a new city in order to find better job opportunities.
- She whispered so as not to wake the baby.
- I took a day off to relax after a hectic week.
- He turned on the heater to warm up the room.
- They spoke softly so that no one would hear them.
- She bought a new phone because of the discount.
Grammar Rules
When using adverbs of purpose, it’s essential to follow certain grammar rules to ensure clarity and correctness in your sentences. Here are the key rules:
1. Adverbs of Purpose Answer the Question “Why?”
Adverbs of purpose explain the reason behind an action. They typically respond to “Why did something happen?”
✔ Example: She studied hard so that she could pass the test.2. They Can Be Single Words or Phrases
Adverbs of purpose can be single words (e.g., therefore, thus, hence) or phrases (e.g., so that, in order to, for the sake of).
✔ Example: He stayed home in order to recover from his illness.3. Some Require Infinitives (to + verb)
Certain adverbial phrases of purpose are followed by an infinitive verb (to + base verb).
✔ Example: She left early to catch the train.
❌ Incorrect: She left early for catching the train.4. “So That” Requires a Subject and a Verb
The phrase “so that” must be followed by a subject + verb structure.
✔ Example: I spoke loudly so that everyone could hear me.
❌ Incorrect: I spoke loudly so that to hear me.5. “For the Sake of” is Followed by a Noun or Pronoun
The phrase “for the sake of” must be followed by a noun or pronoun, not a verb.
✔ Example: He changed jobs for the sake of his family.
❌ Incorrect: He changed jobs for the sake of improve his income.6. “So As To” and “In Order To” Require Infinitives
Both “so as to” and “in order to” must be followed by a base verb (infinitive).
✔ Example: She worked hard in order to succeed.
❌ Incorrect: She worked hard in order that succeed.7. Some Can Be Used as Conjunctive Adverbs
Words like therefore, thus, hence, consequently act as conjunctive adverbs, meaning they connect two independent clauses and require a semicolon or period before them.
✔ Example: He was sick; therefore, he stayed home.
✔ Example: It rained heavily. Thus, the match was canceled.
Usage of Adverbs of Purpose
Adverbs of purpose are used in various situations to express reason, intention, or cause. Here are all the common scenarios where they are used:
1. Explaining Reasons and Causes
Used to clarify why an action happened.
✔ Example: She left early because of the heavy traffic.2. Expressing Intentions and Goals
Used to describe the purpose of an action.
✔ Example: I practice daily so that I can become fluent in Spanish.3. Giving Justifications
Used when explaining why a decision was made.
✔ Example: We hired extra staff in order to improve efficiency.4. Providing Logical Conclusions
Used to show the result of an action in formal writing.
✔ Example: The road was blocked; therefore, we took a different route.5. Making Offers and Requests
Used to explain why an offer or request is being made.
✔ Example: Could you speak slowly so that I can understand better?6. Offering Warnings and Advice
Used when giving instructions or warnings.
✔ Example: Keep your phone on silent so as not to disturb others.7. Stating Personal Motives
Used to express personal reasons behind an action.
✔ Example: She volunteers for the sake of helping others.8. Writing Formal or Academic Statements
Common in essays and reports to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
✔ Example: The economy slowed down; hence, job opportunities decreased.
List of All Adverbs of Purpose
Here is a comprehensive list of adverbs of purpose along with example sentences:
1. So that
✔ Example: I exercise daily so that I can stay healthy.
2. In order to
✔ Example: She left early in order to catch the train.
3. For the purpose of
✔ Example: The meeting was scheduled for the purpose of discussing new policies.
4. To
✔ Example: He studies hard to pass the exam.
5. For the sake of
✔ Example: They stayed together for the sake of their children.
6. So as to
✔ Example: He spoke clearly so as to be understood.
7. With the aim of
✔ Example: The government took steps with the aim of reducing pollution.
8. With a view to
✔ Example: She started saving money with a view to buying a house.
9. Because of
✔ Example: The flight was delayed because of bad weather.
10. Owing to
✔ Example: The project was postponed owing to financial issues.
11. Due to
✔ Example: The match was canceled due to heavy rain.
12. Hence
✔ Example: He forgot his keys; hence, he couldn’t enter the house.
13. Therefore
✔ Example: She was unwell; therefore, she didn’t attend the class.
14. Thus
✔ Example: The store was closed; thus, we went to another one.
15. Consequently
✔ Example: The company faced losses; consequently, they had to lay off employees.
16. In consequence
✔ Example: He broke the rules; in consequence, he was punished.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using adverbs of purpose, there are a few tricky points, exceptions, and important rules to remember. Here’s what you need to pay attention to:
1. “So That” Requires a Subject + Verb
❌ Incorrect: I spoke softly so that to not wake the baby.
✔ Correct: I spoke softly so that the baby would not wake up.2. “To + Verb” Cannot Be Used After “Because”
❌ Incorrect: He left early because to catch the train.
✔ Correct: He left early to catch the train.
✔ Correct: He left early because he needed to catch the train.3. “For the Sake of” Must Be Followed by a Noun
❌ Incorrect: She quit her job for the sake of to travel.
✔ Correct: She quit her job for the sake of travel.
✔ Correct: She quit her job for the sake of her mental health.4. “So As To” and “In Order To” Are Formal
These phrases are common in formal writing but less common in everyday speech.
✔ Formal: The company made changes in order to increase efficiency.
✔ Casual: The company made changes to increase efficiency.5. “Hence” and “Thus” Are Not Used in Spoken English
These are mainly found in academic and formal writing.
✔ Example: He had no experience; hence, he was not selected.
❌ Not commonly used in speech: He had no experience, hence he was not selected.6. “So As Not To” Instead of “To Not”
❌ Incorrect: He studied hard to not fail the exam.
✔ Correct: He studied hard so as not to fail the exam.7. Conjunctive Adverbs Require Proper Punctuation
Words like therefore, thus, hence, consequently need a semicolon or period before them when connecting two independent clauses.
✔ Example: She was late; therefore, she missed the meeting.
✔ Example: She was late. Therefore, she missed the meeting.
❌ Incorrect: She was late, therefore she missed the meeting.8. “Because of” vs. “Due to”
- “Because of” is used with verbs.
✔ Example: The event was canceled because of the rain. - “Due to” is used with nouns.
✔ Example: The cancellation was due to the rain.
By keeping these tricky points in mind, you can use adverbs of purpose correctly and effectively in both writing and speaking.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using adverbs of purpose:
- She studies hard so that she can get a scholarship.
- We left early in order to avoid the traffic.
- He spoke slowly for the purpose of making himself clear.
- I exercise daily to stay fit and healthy.
- They decided to stay together for the sake of their children.
- She took extra classes so as to improve her grades.
- The company reduced prices with the aim of attracting more customers.
- He attended the seminar with a view to learning new business strategies.
- The road was closed because of heavy snowfall.
- The event was canceled owing to unforeseen circumstances.
- The delay was due to technical issues.
- He forgot his wallet at home; hence, he couldn’t buy lunch.
- She missed the deadline; therefore, her project was rejected.
- The streets were flooded; thus, the match was postponed.
- He neglected his studies; consequently, he failed the exam.
- She didn’t follow the rules; in consequence, she was fined.
- The government increased taxes so that public services could improve.
- He kept a low profile in order to avoid unnecessary attention.
- She spoke softly so as not to disturb the sleeping baby.
- He took a different route with the aim of reaching the destination faster.
Exercise: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct adverb of purpose from the list: (so that, in order to, for the sake of, to, because of, hence, therefore, thus, consequently, owing to).
- She left work early ______ she could attend her sister’s wedding.
- He studied all night ______ pass the final exam.
- The teacher repeated the instructions ______ help the students understand better.
- We stayed indoors ______ the heavy rain.
- She took the job ______ financial stability.
- The company faced huge losses; ______, they had to shut down a few branches.
- The road was blocked; ______, we had to take an alternative route.
- He apologized to his friend ______ save their friendship.
- They turned off their phones ______ not to disturb the meeting.
- The power went out suddenly; ______, the work was delayed.
Answers
- She left work early so that she could attend her sister’s wedding.
- He studied all night in order to pass the final exam.
- The teacher repeated the instructions for the sake of helping the students understand better.
- We stayed indoors because of the heavy rain.
- She took the job to gain financial stability.
- The company faced huge losses; consequently, they had to shut down a few branches.
- The road was blocked; thus, we had to take an alternative route.
- He apologized to his friend to save their friendship.
- They turned off their phones so as not to disturb the meeting.
- The power went out suddenly; hence, the work was delayed.
Summary
- Adverbs of Purpose explain why an action is performed and answer the question “Why?”
- They can be single words (e.g., therefore, hence, thus) or phrases (e.g., so that, in order to, for the sake of).
- Some require infinitives (to + verb), such as in order to, so as to.
- “So that” must always be followed by a subject + verb.
- “For the sake of” is followed by a noun, not a verb.
- Formal and academic writing commonly uses hence, thus, therefore, consequently.
- Conjunctive adverbs (e.g., therefore, hence, thus) require a semicolon or period before them in formal writing.
- Common mistakes include incorrect prepositions, wrong sentence structures, and informal/formal mix-ups.
- These adverbs are used in giving reasons, expressing intentions, justifying actions, making offers, giving advice, and writing formal reports.
- Examples include:
- “She worked hard so that she could succeed.”
- “He left early to catch the train.”
- “It was raining heavily; therefore, the event was canceled.”
Conclusion
Understanding and using adverbs of purpose correctly can significantly improve both spoken and written English. These adverbs help convey intentions, reasons, and consequences with clarity and precision. By following the grammar rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing with real-life examples, you can effectively incorporate these adverbs into your daily communication. Whether you are writing an essay, having a conversation, or making a formal statement, using adverbs of purpose appropriately ensures that your message is clear, logical, and impactful.
Keep practicing, and soon, using these adverbs will become second nature!
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