Public SourceMage Discussion List

[Jeremy Blosser <jblosser-smgl AT firinn.org>]

On Oct 18, Jeremy Blosser [jblosser-smgl AT firinn.org] wrote:
> On Oct 18, Mathieu L. [lejatorn AT smgl.homelinux.net] wrote:
> > Hi all,
> > 
> > I have to write an official document in proper english and one of my
> > coworkers always uses the expression "in order that" even in that
> > document. I've been told at school that the only correct one is "in
> > order to", and some ppl on #sourcemage confirmed that, but some other
> > pointed to some text where "in order that" was used. I haven't found
> > anything on the net to confirm or contradict that.
> > 
> > So, I'd like the opinion of good english speakers here please. :)
> 
> They are both valid usage but both idioms.  For a reference see:
> http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/order

I should have added that the non-idiom constructs to use instead would be:

in order that -> so that
in order to   -> for the purpose of

but even these aren't always the best.

> 'in order
> 1. with the particular aim or purpose.
> "Your bags will be searched in order that security can be maintained. He
> came home early in order to make some phone calls."'

Your bags will be searched so that security can be maintained.
(passive voice, usually bad)
We will search your bags so that we can maintain security.
(better)

He came home early for the purpose of making some phone calls.
(passive voice, usually bad)
He came home early so that he could make some phone calls.
(better)

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