Guide 03 / 200 5 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “In order to”
Three words where one would do.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"To" almost always does the same job. "In order to" only earns its keep when the sentence would otherwise parse ambiguously — which is rare.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
We shipped early in order to meet the deadline.
After
We shipped early to meet the deadline.
iii · The alternatives5 ways out
- 01To neutral
the default — almost always right
We wrote it to sell.
- 02So that neutral
when intent spans a full clause
Print the receipt so that accounting has a copy.
- 03For neutral
a purpose + a noun
For emphasis, bold it.
- 04With the aim of formal
reports, grants, proposals
With the aim of reducing latency…
- 05In pursuit of formal
dramatic intent
In pursuit of a cleaner API…
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
Delete "in order" and reread. If the sentence still works, leave it deleted.