1
Core relationship
Introduce the intended purpose of an action.
Example
The team repeated each trial in order to reduce measurement error.
in order to
/ɪn ˈɔːdə tuː/ · in OR-dur toopurpose phrase
Introduce the intended purpose of an action.
Use in order to to express this relationship precisely: introduce the intended purpose of an action.
What in order to Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Noun-phrase frame
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
In order to compare the groups fairly, researchers matched them by age.
3
Analytical use
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The archive lowered the lighting in order to preserve fragile documents.
Use in order to Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The team repeated each trial in order to reduce measurement error.
In order to compare the groups fairly, researchers matched them by age.
The archive lowered the lighting in order to preserve fragile documents.
Precision Matters
In order to overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
in order to
vs.Means introduce the intended purpose of an action.
for the purpose of
Means with the specific aim or intention of doing something.
in order to
vs.Means introduce the intended purpose of an action.
as a means of
Means as a method or instrument for achieving a purpose.
in order to
vs.Means introduce the intended purpose of an action.
for the sake of
Means for the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
in order to
vs.Means introduce the intended purpose of an action.
bring about
Means cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
Test in order to in Context
Ensuring comparability is the intended purpose of the calibration.
1
The researchers calibrated both sensors ___ ensure that their readings were directly comparable.