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# 15

QuestionWhen do you use the phrase, in order to, and can you exclude it using the example below?
  • He pushed in order to get the sound out.
  • He pushed to get the sound out.
The second example eliminates two words.

Also, do you have a good link or source for prepositions and their uses? I understand the basic use of each one, but occasionally I stumble with some that could change the meaning of the sentence. For example, I will talk with Mark or I will talk to Mark. See the slight difference? Perhaps there is no magic formula, but I would like to be more proficient in that area. Thanks

Source & Date
of Question		San Antonio, Texas
9 June 1997
Grammar's
Response		Good economy! Yes, that phrase "in order to" can frequently be eliminated, as you have done. The infinitive phrase is more than adequate. "In order to" means "with the purpose of" or "with the intention that" (Oxford American Dictionary), and if you're stressing the purposefulness of the act, I suppose it retains its usefulness.

As for common preposition usage, I recommend that you visit Dave's ESL Cafe, and if you can't find what you want there, ask someone on one of the bulletin boards, and you're bound to get a good response (or two or three).


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