Expressing Purpose in English. English ESL Worksheets. English grammar with exercises. Free eBook and Free printable PDF
Expressing Purpose in English
Expressing Purpose in English
Purpose with to, in order to and so as to
Use to, so as to, and in order to to express purpose in the affirmative form.
He is looking for a part time job to go on holiday
She wakes up early in order to be on time to work.
They visited him so as to offer their condolences for the death of her husband.
Use so as not to and in order not to to express purpose in the negative form.
They woke up early in order not to miss the train.
She exercises regularly so as not to get too lazy.
He helped him so as not to fail in his first mission.
Purpose with for
Purpose can be also expressed by using for. For may be followed by either a noun or a verb + ing.
I stopped there for a cup of tea.
This tool is for fixing the sink.
Exercises
Expressing Purpose in English
IN ORDER TO – SO AS TO
EXERCISE 1.
Complete the sentences by using in order to or so as to.
e.g.  The thief had grown a beard. He didn’t want to be recognised.
     The thief had grown a beard so as not to be recognised.
- 1. Â Jim is studying English . He wants to get a better job.
- Jim is studying English
- 2.  Anna is flying to Rome. She wants to be in time for the meeting.                Â
-          Anna is flying to Rome                        Â
- They are working hard. They want to be successful .
- They are working hardÂ
- She is marrying a very famous man. She wants to make a career.
- She is marrying a very famous manÂ
EXERCISE 2.
Complete the following sentences by using in order not to or so as not to.
e.g. I always get up early so as not to arrive late at the office.
- Sara walked on tiptoe_____________________ wake her children.
- I hurried  ___________________________ miss the train.
- I usually make a list of what I need before doing the shopping ________ forget anything.
- We suggest you to study hard _____________ fail your exam.
- I’ll take an umbrella _________________ get wet.
EXPRESSING PURPOSE:THE INFINITIVE ALONE / IN ORDER TO + INFINITIVE/ SO AS TO + INFINITIVE
EXERCISE 1.
Complete the following sentences with the correct form to express purpose, in the positive or negative form, as appropriate.
e.g. She decided to go to night school to study bookkeeping.
- Look, I have my Group Class now, ___________ (be late) I’ll have to chat to you later, sorry!
- Helen had no chance of passing her exam because she hadn’t studied, however, __________________(to let someone down) her parents, she decided that cheating was her only alternative.
- _________________ (catch) the flight to Melbourne, Sandra had to get a taxi to the airport.
- You cannot expect your colleagues to work overtime for you _________ home early! That’s outrageous! (go).
- Janet set her alarm 3 hours earlier than she needed to ____________ (miss) her important interview in the city.
 EXERCISE 2.
Join the following sentences together using an expression of purpose.
e.g. Mum, when you get to Japan, phone me. Let me know you’ve arrived in one piece! Â
Mum, when you get to Japan, phone me so as to let me know you’ve arrived in one piece!
- I’ll start cooking dinner at 7p.m.. Give me a call if you’re going to be late.
- I’m going to have a shower tonight, instead of in the morning. I can stay in bed for an extra 20 minutes!
-  I’m going to live in Italy. I want to learn Italian and marry a Latin lover!
-  I’m going to start that new diet tomorrow. I want to look good on the beach this summer.
FOR / FOR+GERUND
EXERCISE 1.
Complete the sentences by using the correct verb.
Pay    look    wait   care   ask   search
e.g. Would you care for a glass of milk?
-     I don’t ____________ for French food.
-    I’ve lost my glasses. Can you help me _______ for them?
- We are really sorry but we don’t have enough money to ______ for the bill.
- They are _______ for Tom. Have you seen him ?
- The police have _________ everywhere for that thief and they still can’t find him.
- How long have you been __________ for her to arrive ?
- He is always _______ for cigarettes!
EXERCISE 2
Complete the sentences by using the correct form of the verb.
- I’m very sorry for___________ (come) late.
- We apologised to them for __________ (make) that mistake.
- They were so angry with me for not _______ (invite) them to the party.
- There’s no reason for ____________ (lose) patience with her.
- The bicycle is used for _________ (cycle).
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