Expressing a goal in English : complete course

When you learn English, you often need to explain expressing a goal in English. This means saying why you do something, or what you want to achieve. It is a very common and useful skill in everyday life.

For example, you might want to say: ‘I am studying English to get a better job.’ or ‘She is saving money to buy a new phone.’ These sentences explain a purpose or an intention.

Simple Examples to Get Started

Here are some easy examples you can use right away:

• I go to the gym to stay healthy.
• He is learning French to travel to Paris.
• We save money in order to buy a house.
• She wakes up early so that she can exercise.

Notice how each sentence has a main action and a goal. The goal always explains the reason behind the action.

The Key Elements of Expressing a Goal in English

There are several ways to express a goal in English. Let’s look at the most important ones.

1. Using ‘To’ + Verb (Infinitive of Purpose)

This is the simplest and most common way. You just add ‘to’ before a verb to explain the reason.

• I drink water to stay hydrated.
• They study hard to pass the exam.
• She calls her mother to say goodnight.

This structure is very natural in spoken and written English. It is perfect for everyday conversations.

2. Using ‘In Order To’ + Verb

This structure is slightly more formal. It has the same meaning as ‘to’, but it sounds more careful and precise.

• He left early in order to catch the train.
• We practise every day in order to improve our skills.
• She read the instructions in order to use the machine correctly.

‘In order to’ is often used in writing, emails, or more formal situations.

3. Using ‘So That’ + Subject + Verb

This structure is a little more complex. You use it when the subject of the goal is different, or when you want to be very clear about the result.

• I speak slowly so that you can understand me.
• She saved money so that her children could go to school.
• He wrote a note so that he would not forget.

‘So that’ is often followed by a modal verb like ‘can’, ‘could’, or ‘would’.

Why Expressing a Goal in English Matters

Being able to talk about your goals and intentions is essential in daily life. You need it when you explain your plans to a friend, write an email at work, or answer questions in a job interview.

When you can say why you do things, your English sounds more natural and complete. People understand you better, and you feel more confident. It also helps you build longer, more interesting sentences.

In short, this is not just grammar. It is a communication tool you will use every single day.

Comparison with Other Languages

If you speak French or Spanish, you already know how to express a goal in your language. The good news is that English works in a very similar way. Here is a quick comparison:

As you can see, English is often simpler. You do not need the subjunctive mood with ‘to’ or ‘in order to’. Only ‘so that’ requires a full clause with a subject and a verb.

A Complete Example

Let’s look at a short everyday conversation that uses different goal structures:

• Anna: Why are you taking an English class?
• Tom: I am taking it to improve my speaking skills.
• Anna: And why is that important for you?
• Tom: I want to get a new job in order to earn more money.
• Anna: That makes sense! Are you also studying at home?
• Tom: Yes, I practise every evening so that I can feel more confident at work.

This short dialogue shows how naturally you can use these three structures in a real conversation.

Key Points to Remember

• Use to + verb for simple, everyday goals. It is the most common structure.
• Use in order to + verb when you want to sound more formal or precise.
• Use so that + subject + verb when you need a full clause to explain the result.
• All three structures answer the question: Why do you do this?
• In English, you do not need the subjunctive with ‘to’ or ‘in order to’.
• These structures are used in speaking, writing, emails, and interviews.

Sources

• Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press.
• Murphy, R. (2019). English Grammar in Use (5th edition). Cambridge University Press.
• Council of Europe. (2001). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Cambridge University Press.