in order to

in order to

This expression of purpose, which is in origin a complex preposition, has been in use since the 16c. In current use it is formed with a to-infinitive to mean ‘with the purpose of (doing), with a view to’:

• Rozanov…had taken a sharp right-hand turn in order to avoid going along the road —Iris Murdoch, 1983

• The High Court lawsuit highlights the lengths insurance firms are willing to go to in order to protect their reputation and their clients —Daily Telegraph, 2007.

Use of the simpler preposition to instead of in order to is often preferred when the rhythm and emphasis of the sentence allow it, and this is sometimes less formal in effect:

• The path takes an unscheduled turn to miss a big tree —C. K. Stead, 1986

• I went there to find the largest rose in the world —Western Mail, 2007.

The presence of to in a different role in the vicinity, especially another to-infinitive (as in the first 2007 example) is sometimes a factor in preferring the longer form in order to.