Purpose Clauses

Source: Areal Editores

Purpose clauses express the reason why somebody did something. In more precise, formal English they are often introduced by a two-word subordinator: so as or in order. When the subject of the main clause is the same as the subject of the purpose clause. Affirmative sentences
Nike and Adidas spend great amounts of money to advertise their trainers.

To + infinitive

In order to + infinitve Nike and Adidas spend great amounts of money in order to advertise their trainers. Nike and Adidas spend great amounts of money so as to advertise their trainers.

So as to + infinitive

Negative sentences

In order not to + infinitve So as not to + infinitive

You should put on a coat in order not to get a cold

You should put on a coat so as not to get a cold.

When the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the purpose clause.

So that + subject + can/will

(it refers to the present or future)

Companies spend great amounts of money on advertising their products so that we will buy them.

So that + subject + could/would

(it refers to the past)

Companies spent great amounts of money on advertising their products so that we would buy them.

Note:

You can use in order that and so that when the subject is the same, but you have to use the subject again. In order to and so as to are more often used in formal writing than in speech or informal writing. A clause beginning so as to is often located at the end of the sentence.