Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Expressing purpose and goals
Use dictionary form + and noun + to express purpose.
Start with the example
、。
I am studying Japanese in order to work in Japan.
Longer-term goal or major purpose.
Notice the variation
、。
I walk every day for my health.
Noun + can mean 'for the sake of'.
More detail: how to apply this
often connects an action with an important purpose, goal, or benefit.
It is common when the goal is bigger than a single short errand and when the writer wants to sound clear and goal-oriented.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Separate the goal from the action taken toward it; purpose alone does not prove success.
Going to the library is the means. The sentence establishes the trip’s purpose, but does not confirm whether enough materials were found.
、。
I went to the library in order to gather materials.
Separate the goal from the action taken toward it; purpose alone does not prove success.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
I am studying Japanese in order to work in Japan.
Longer-term goal or major purpose.
Compare in context
、。
I walk every day for my health.
Noun + can mean 'for the sake of'.
Vocabulary notes
- ために
- for; in order to
Section 2 of 4
Verb and noun patterns
Verb and noun patterns
Start with the example
。
I work for my family.
is a noun, so it takes : for the family’s benefit. is the main action.
Notice the variation
、。
I study every day in order to enter university.
A standard goal-oriented learner example.
More detail: how to apply this
Use the dictionary form before for actions and noun + for purposes linked to a person, group, or benefit.
In both cases, the phrase explains why the main action is done.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I work for my family.
is a noun, so it takes : for the family’s benefit. is the main action.
。
I work for my family.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I work for my family.
Showing Verb and noun patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I work for my family.
is a noun, so it takes : for the family’s benefit. is the main action.
Vocabulary notes
- ために
- for; in order to
Preview
、。
I study every day in order to enter university.
A standard goal-oriented learner example.
Section 3 of 4
Purpose and movement
Separate the goal from the action taken toward it; purpose alone does not prove success.
Purpose and movement
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Gathering materials is the goal being pursued. It has not automatically been accomplished just because it is named first.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
can explain the purpose of many actions, including short tasks.
Stem + with ／／ specifically gives a purpose for movement.
and can describe the same errand.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I went to the library in order to gather materials.
states the purpose of the library trip. The goal need not be large or long-term.
、。
I went to the library in order to gather materials.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I went to the library in order to gather materials.
Showing Purpose and movement: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
I went to the library in order to gather materials.
states the purpose of the library trip. The goal need not be large or long-term.
Vocabulary notes
- ために
- for; in order to
- 図書館
- library
Preview
、。
I work hard every day in order to achieve my dream.
The purpose is an ongoing dream or objective.
Vocabulary notes
- ために
- for; in order to
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Dictionary-form intentional action supports purpose;
the completed action in the second supports a causal reading.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Dictionary-form intentional action supports purpose; the completed action in the second supports a causal reading.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Save for the purpose of studying abroad / became busy because of studying abroad
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.