Exercises B1 : practice Expressing purpose in English (answers)

These exercises will help you practise the purpose structures covered in the course: ‘to’, ‘in order to’, ‘so as to’, and ‘so that’. Complete each activity to reinforce your understanding of how to explain why you do things in English.

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Exercice 1 — Fill in the Blanks: Purpose Structures

Complete each sentence by writing the correct purpose structure (to, in order to, so as to, or so that) in the blank. Write the full sentence in your answer.

1. She whispered ___ not wake the baby.
2. He saved money ___ he could buy a new laptop.
3. They left early ___ avoid the traffic.
4. She took notes ___ remember the key points.

Correction

1. She whispered so as not to wake the baby.
2. He saved money so that he could buy a new laptop.
3. They left early in order to avoid the traffic.
4. She took notes to remember the key points.

Exercice 2 — Spot and Correct the Mistakes

Each sentence contains an error in the way purpose is expressed. Identify the mistake and rewrite the full sentence correctly.

1. He studied hard so as he could pass the exam.
2. She called the doctor for to get some advice.
3. They moved to the city in order that find better jobs.
4. He turned down the music so as not disturb his neighbours.

Correction

1. He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
2. She called the doctor to get some advice.
3. They moved to the city in order to find better jobs.
4. He turned down the music so as not to disturb his neighbours.

Exercice 3 — Choose the Correct Purpose Structure

Choose the answer that best completes each sentence using a correct and natural purpose structure. Only one option is correct.

1. She wore sunglasses ___ the sun wouldn't hurt her eyes.
2. They spoke quietly ___ not to disturb the meeting.
3. He printed the document ___ show it to his manager.
4. She set an alarm ___ she wouldn't miss her flight.

Correction

1. She wore sunglasses so that the sun wouldn't hurt her eyes.
2. They spoke quietly so as not to disturb the meeting.
3. He printed the document in order to show it to his manager.
4. She set an alarm so that she wouldn't miss her flight.