In Order That In A Sentence

Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering if you're using "in order that" correctly? It's a phrase that often appears in formal writing, aiming to create a clear connection between an action and its intended purpose. But sometimes, its elegance can be overshadowed by uncertainty. Is it too formal? Is there a simpler alternative?

Many of us learned grammar through rigid rules, but language is a living thing, constantly evolving. "In order that" is one such area where usage can feel like navigating a maze. Understanding its proper function, its nuances, and how it compares to its close relatives is key to mastering it. It's about ensuring your writing not only sounds correct but also flows smoothly and clearly conveys your message.

Main Subheading

The phrase "in order that" is a conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses the purpose or intention behind the action in the main clause. It's a more formal way of saying "so that" or "to," and it's used to create a clear cause-and-effect relationship within a sentence. Essentially, it tells the reader why something is being done.

Think of "in order that" as a signpost in your writing, explicitly pointing towards the reason behind an action. It's more than just stating what happened; it's explaining the motivation behind it. This can add a layer of clarity and precision to your writing, especially in situations where the purpose might not be immediately obvious.

Comprehensive Overview

Let's delve deeper into the mechanics and nuances of "in order that." Understanding its origins, grammatical function, and stylistic considerations will help you wield this phrase with confidence and precision.

Definition and Function:

At its core, "in order that" is a subordinating conjunction. This means it connects a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause. The subordinate clause, introduced by "in order that," explains the purpose of the action in the main clause. The structure looks like this:

Main Clause + in order that + Subordinate Clause (expressing purpose)

Scientific Foundations (Grammar):

From a grammatical perspective, "in order that" establishes a hypotactic relationship between the two clauses. Hypotaxis refers to the arrangement of clauses in a sentence where one is dependent on the other. The subordinate clause provides additional information that is essential for understanding the main clause's meaning. Without the subordinate clause, the main clause might lack context or justification.

Furthermore, the verb in the subordinate clause often takes a modal auxiliary verb such as may, might, can, or could. This indicates possibility or intention, further emphasizing the purpose-driven nature of the clause. For example: "He studied diligently in order that he might pass the exam."

History and Evolution:

The phrase "in order that" has been a part of the English language for centuries, evolving from earlier forms of expressing purpose. While its use has remained relatively consistent, its perceived level of formality has shifted over time. In older texts, it was a common and neutral way to express purpose. However, in modern usage, it often carries a more formal connotation, making it suitable for academic writing, legal documents, and other contexts where precision and clarity are paramount.

Essential Concepts:

• Purpose vs. Result: It's crucial to distinguish "in order that" from conjunctions that express result, such as "so that" (when indicating result) or "therefore." "In order that" specifically indicates intention or purpose before the action takes place, while result-oriented conjunctions describe what happened after the action.

• Formality: As mentioned, "in order that" leans towards the formal side. While perfectly correct in many situations, it might sound stilted or overly elaborate in casual conversation or informal writing.

• Clarity: The primary strength of "in order that" is its ability to explicitly state the purpose of an action. This can be particularly valuable in complex sentences where the connection between actions might not be immediately clear.

• Alternatives: Several alternatives can be used in place of "in order that," depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context. These include "so that" (for purpose or result), "to," "in order to," and "that."

Trends and Latest Developments

While "in order that" remains grammatically sound, its frequency in contemporary writing seems to be decreasing slightly, particularly in informal contexts. This trend is likely driven by a preference for simpler and more direct language.

Data and Usage:

Corpus linguistics, which involves analyzing large collections of text, can provide insights into the actual usage of "in order that." While comprehensive data specifically tracking its usage is not always readily available, general trends in language suggest a shift towards less formal constructions. Search engine trends also reflect this, showing a higher volume of searches for simpler alternatives like "so that" or "in order to."

Popular Opinions and Style Guides:

Many style guides acknowledge the validity of "in order that" but often suggest considering simpler alternatives when appropriate. The emphasis is on clarity and conciseness. If a shorter phrase like "to" or "so that" conveys the meaning just as effectively, it's often preferred.

Professional Insights:

From a professional writing perspective, the choice between "in order that" and its alternatives depends heavily on the intended audience and the overall tone of the piece. In academic papers, legal contracts, or technical documentation, "in order that" can be a valuable tool for ensuring precision and avoiding ambiguity. However, in marketing materials, blog posts, or other forms of content aimed at a broader audience, a simpler alternative might be more effective in engaging the reader.

Emerging Trends:

One notable trend is the increasing emphasis on plain language in various fields, including government and healthcare. Plain language aims to make information accessible to everyone, regardless of their education or background. This often involves avoiding overly formal or complex constructions, which can further contribute to the decline in the use of phrases like "in order that" in these contexts.

Tips and Expert Advice

Here are some practical tips and expert advice to help you use "in order that" effectively and appropriately:

1. Consider Your Audience and Purpose:

The most important factor in deciding whether to use "in order that" is your audience. Are you writing for a highly educated or specialized audience that expects formal language? Or are you trying to reach a broader audience with a more casual tone?

• Example:
  • Formal: "The research was conducted in order that a more effective treatment could be developed." (Appropriate for a scientific paper)
  • Informal: "The research was conducted so that a more effective treatment could be developed." (More suitable for a general audience)

2. Prioritize Clarity and Conciseness:

While "in order that" can add clarity, it can also make your writing sound verbose if used unnecessarily. Always ask yourself if a simpler alternative would convey the same meaning more effectively.

• Example:
  • Wordy: "He saved money for a long time in order that he could buy a new car."
  • Concise: "He saved money for a long time to buy a new car."

3. Use "In Order That" When Emphasis is Needed:

There are times when you might want to emphasize the purpose behind an action. "In order that" can be useful in these situations, as it explicitly highlights the intention.

• Example: "The company invested heavily in training in order that its employees would be prepared for the rapidly changing technological landscape." (The emphasis is on the company's deliberate investment and its specific purpose).

4. Avoid Overuse:

Like any stylistic choice, "in order that" can lose its impact if used too frequently. Vary your sentence structure and use a mix of different conjunctions to maintain reader engagement.

• Example: Instead of using "in order that" in every sentence expressing purpose, try using "to," "so that," "in order to," or simply rephrasing the sentence.

5. Pay Attention to Verb Tense and Mood:

When using "in order that," ensure that the verb tense and mood in the subordinate clause are consistent with the intended meaning. Modal auxiliary verbs like may, might, can, and could are often used to express possibility or intention.

• Example: "She studied diligently in order that she might pass the exam." (Using "might" indicates the possibility of passing the exam through diligent study).

6. Consider "In Order To":

"In order to" is often a more natural-sounding alternative when expressing purpose, especially when followed by a verb in its base form.

• Example:
  • "They arrived early in order that they could get good seats." (Less common)
  • "They arrived early in order to get good seats." (More common and often preferred)

7. Proofread Carefully:

As with any piece of writing, it's essential to proofread carefully to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and that the use of "in order that" is appropriate for the context.

FAQ

Q: Is "in order that" always formal?

A: Yes, "in order that" generally carries a more formal tone compared to alternatives like "so that" or "to."

Q: Can I use "in order that" in spoken English?

A: While grammatically correct, using "in order that" in spoken English might sound overly formal or stilted in most casual conversations.

Q: Is it wrong to use "so that" instead of "in order that"?

A: No, it's not wrong. "So that" can often be used interchangeably with "in order that," especially when expressing purpose. However, "so that" can also indicate result, so be mindful of the context.

Q: What's the difference between "in order to" and "in order that"?

A: "In order to" is followed by a verb in its base form (e.g., "in order to succeed"). "In order that" introduces a subordinate clause with its own subject and verb (e.g., "in order that she might succeed").

Q: When should I specifically use "in order that"?

A: Use "in order that" when you want to emphasize the purpose behind an action, particularly in formal writing where precision and clarity are essential.

Conclusion

The phrase "in order that" serves as a powerful tool for clearly expressing purpose in writing. While its formal nature may not suit every context, understanding its function and nuances allows you to use it effectively when precision and emphasis are needed. By considering your audience, prioritizing clarity, and practicing judicious use, you can master "in order that" and elevate your writing to a new level of sophistication.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of "in order that," put your knowledge into practice! Try incorporating it into your next writing project, but remember to consider the tips and advice provided to ensure its appropriate and effective use. Share your experiences and any further questions you may have in the comments below. Your engagement will help further refine our understanding of this fascinating aspect of English grammar!