Grammar practice
Talking about purpose
1 Choose the correct options to complete the sentences.
1 They started the space program explore new galaxies.
a to b for c so that
2 I usually go to the supermarket late at night I don’t have to shop
with a lot of other people.
a in order to b for c so that
3 I left the coffee shop early avoid meeting Frankie.
a so as to b for c in order
4 I often travel by public transportation save money.
a so b for c to
5 I started teaching a class people who want to take up carpentry.
a to b for c in order to
6 This machine is locating metal things you may have lost, like your keys.
a to b for c so that
7 Take my phone number you ever need it in an emergency.
a so that b in case c in order to
8 These face masks weren’t designed general use.
a to b for c so that
2 Match sentence halves to talk about purpose.
1 They went to Cape Canaveral in order to a astronauts could travel on the moon.
2 The guards were at the space agency to stop b witness the launch of the rocket.
3 They built the lunar land rover so that c something went wrong.
4 They made back-up plans in case d to risk human lives.
5 The shields are used to prevent radiation e protesters from entering the building.
6 Animals were sent into space so as not f from causing damage to the spaceship.
3 Rewrite the sentences using the word(s) in parentheses.
1 There is a barrier so that nobody can get into the building. (stop)
The barrier is there .
2 The vehicle was designed to carry heavy loads. (for)
The vehicle was designed .
3 We joined the space club because we wanted to find out more about astronomy. (so as)
We joined the space club .
4 The heavy boots stop people losing their balance. (prevent)
The heavy boots .
5 We bought special glasses to witness the eclipse. (so that)
We bought special glasses .
6 We wore dark clothing because we didn’t want to stand out. (order)
We wore dark clothing .
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Grammar practice
4 Rewrite the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first. Use to, in order to,
so as to, so that, for, or in case. Use each of the structures above at least once.
1 I’m studying in college. I want to be a rocket scientist.
2 I called my aunt. I needed to find out what time she would arrive.
3 I stayed late at the office. I had to finish the project.
4 I bought a new fold out bed. Our visitors would have somewhere to sleep.
5 I have been working extra hours. I want to buy a motorbike.
6 I’m learning another language. I’ll have a better chance of promotion at work.
7 He does a lot of exercise. He wants to become healthier.
8 We are saving up. Our son Jack may need the money for college.
9 This is an instrument. People use it to tune pianos.
10 We built a small cottage in the yard. My grandmother has somewhere to live.
5 Fill in the blanks in the text with a word or phrase for talking about purpose. There may be
more than one possible answer.
Spacesuits
How does a spacesuit work? First and foremost, it is worn 1
keep the wearer alive. To that end, it is insulated 2
keep the wearer warm, with tough layers to prevent the wearer
3
being hurt by particles of dust or rock, and specialized
layers to 4 the wearer from receiving too much radiation.
Neoprene-coated fibers are used 5
maintaining air
pressure within the suit. A spacesuit is a bit like an inflated balloon, and the fibers restrict
the growth of the balloon so 6 to keep the air pressure
around the wearer’s body at exactly the right level. Spacesuits also provide oxygen through
a special cord attached to the spacecraft or to a backpack. There is usually a back-up cord in
7
of emergencies. Finally, the spacesuit comes with a
huge helmet with a large visor, tinted 8 reduce glare, as
well as mounted lights so 9 the astronauts can see into
the shadows.
6 Think of different ways of answering the questions. Use clauses of purpose in your answers.
1 Why do people choose to go into space?
2 What reasons are there to continue spending money on space exploration?
3 Why do astronauts wear spacesuits and helmets?
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