In Order to vs. So As to

Attribute	In Order to	So As to
Meaning	Expresses purpose or intention	Expresses purpose or intention
Formality	Formal	Formal
Usage	Commonly used in writing	Commonly used in writing
Structure	Followed by a verb	Followed by a verb

Definition

Both "in order to" and "so as to" are phrases used to indicate purpose or intention in a sentence. They are often used to explain why someone is doing something or the reason behind a particular action. While they serve a similar purpose, there are some subtle differences in their usage and connotations.

Formality

One key difference between "in order to" and "so as to" is their level of formality. "In order to" is considered more formal and is commonly used in academic writing, professional documents, and formal speeches. On the other hand, "so as to" is slightly less formal and is often used in everyday conversation and informal writing. The choice between the two phrases can depend on the context and the desired tone of the sentence.

Clarity

Another difference between the two phrases is their clarity and specificity. "In order to" is often seen as more direct and explicit in stating the purpose or intention behind an action. It leaves less room for interpretation and clearly indicates the reason for the action. On the other hand, "so as to" can sometimes be seen as more vague or ambiguous, leaving the purpose more open to interpretation. Depending on the context, this ambiguity can be either a strength or a weakness.

Usage

While both "in order to" and "so as to" can be used interchangeably in many cases, there are some instances where one may be more appropriate than the other. "In order to" is often used when the purpose or intention is more formal or serious in nature. For example, "I studied hard in order to pass the exam." On the other hand, "so as to" is often used in more casual or conversational contexts. For example, "I brought an umbrella so as to stay dry in the rain."

Emphasis

One final difference between "in order to" and "so as to" is the emphasis they place on the purpose or intention. "In order to" tends to place more emphasis on the action itself, highlighting the importance of achieving the intended goal. On the other hand, "so as to" places more emphasis on the purpose or intention behind the action, focusing on the reason for carrying out the action. Depending on the desired emphasis in a sentence, one phrase may be more suitable than the other.