so that, in order to

Both say what the purpose of an action is: why someone does it. In order to is followed by a verb. So that is followed by a subject and a verb.

In order to

In order to means the same as to alone, but it is more formal. In everyday speech, plain to is more common. Use in order to when the subject of both parts is the same person.

For a negative purpose, say in order not to. Plain to can't do this.

So that

So that is followed by a subject and usually can, could, will or would. Use can or will for now and the future, could or would for the past. With so that, the second part can be about a different person.

In speech, people often leave out that: so I could get in.

Common mistakes

• × I went there for buy a ticket. → I went there to buy a ticket.
• × I came here for to study. → I came here to study.
• × She saved money in order that buy a car. → She saved money in order to buy a car.
• × I left early so that catch the bus. → I left early so that I could catch the bus.