Learn English – “in order that” vs “in order to”

differencesin-order-to

What's the difference between "in order that" and "in order to"?

For example, is there any difference in nuance between the two sentences below?

  • We are all servants of the laws in order to be free.
  • We are all servants of the laws in order that we be free.

Best Answer

Both formulations are valid. But IMO the former in order to makes the desired outcome the direct result of the action, while the latter in order that suggests the outcome could be a higher-order consequence e.g. of a causal mechanism that is implied but not specified.

Related Topic