Gerunds and Infinitives:  Statements of Purpose

 

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In this lesson we continue our unit on gerunds and infinitive phrases.

Here is an example of a statement of purpose from the United States Constitution:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Before you begin the activities, we suggest that you read, listen to, and study the podcast and grammar lesson, What Is a Gerund? What Is an Infinitive Phrase?

Statements of Purpose

 

in order to ...

 

Use this pattern with the statement of purpose, in order to.

verb + in order to + base form-->
verb + infinitive phrase

Examples

 

  • I have to get up in order to start a new day.
    I have to get up in order to start a new day.
    I have to get up to start a new day. 

  •  Jem and Louise try to sneak into the Radleys' home in order to get a look at Arthur Radley.
    Jem and Louise try to sneak into the Radleys' home in order to get a look at Arthur Radley.
    Jem and Louise try to sneak into the Radleys' home to get a look at Arthur Radley.

  • My father arrived in the United States from Guyana with the intention of working hard in order to take care of his family and to achieve his personal goals.
    My father arrived in the United States from Guyana with the intention of working hard in order to take care of his family and to achieve his personal goals.
    My father arrived in the United States from Guyana with the intention of working hard to take care of his family and to achieve his personal goals.
                                  

Many learners of English find this pattern difficult to learn. Be patient.

in order that

 

This expression is in use, but is extremely formal and is used primarily in writing.

in order that + subject + subjunctive form of verb

CLICK HERE for an example from 19th c. British thinker, John Ruskin.

In Our Next Lesson...


Please continue with our next lesson, where we explore the pattern ADJECTIVE + infinitive phrase.

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