In English we use several different words and structures to express purpose. For can be used to talk about somebody’s purpose in doing something. Note that for is followed by a noun in this structure.
So and so that can be used before a clause to express purpose.
To express a person’s purpose, we often use to-infinitive.
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate word or phrase.
1I talked to the shy girl ............... she wouldn't feel left out.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"So" and "so that" introduce a purpose clause with a subject and verb.
2We stopped at the pub ............... a drink.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"To have" and "for" can both express the purpose of stopping before the noun phrase "a drink".
3We stopped at the pub ............... before going home.
Wrong!
"For a drink" uses "for" with a noun phrase to express purpose.
4I went to Canada ............... my brother.
Wrong!
"To see" uses the infinitive to express the purpose of going to Canada.
5What do I need to get ............... dinner?
Wrong!
"For" shows the purpose connected with the things needed for dinner.
6Sort your rubbish ............... recycling.
Wrong!
"For" is used before the noun "recycling" to show purpose.
7I took the phone back to the store ............... a replacement.
Wrong!
"To get" uses the infinitive to express the purpose of taking the phone back.
8We started early ............... we wouldn't be late.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"So" and "so that" introduce a purpose clause with "we wouldn't be late".
9You need to be over 18 ............... that film.
Wrong!
"To watch" uses the infinitive after the requirement to express purpose or permission.
10I am leaving early today ............... the rush hour traffic.
Wrong!
"To avoid" uses the infinitive to express the purpose of leaving early.
11I am putting the meat in the oven now ............... it will be ready by eight o'clock.
Wrong!
"So that" introduces the purpose clause "it will be ready by eight o'clock".
12I am angry with you ............... me up.
Wrong!
"For waking" explains the action that caused the anger.
Answers
- I talked to the shy girl so / so that she wouldn’t feel left out.
- We stopped at the pub to have / for a drink.
- We stopped at the pub for a drink before going home.
- I went to Canada to see my brother.
- What do I need to get for dinner?
- Sort your rubbish for recycling.
- I took the phone back to the store to get a replacement.
- We started early so / so that we wouldn’t be late.
- You need to be over 18 to watch that film.
- I am leaving early today to avoid the rush hour traffic.
- I am putting the meat in the oven now so that it will be ready by eight o’clock.
- I am angry with you for waking me up.
