Expressing Purpose in English Grammar

Use so as not to and in order not to to express purpose in the negative form.

Examples:

They woke up early in order not to be late.

She exercises regularly so as not to get fat.

He helped the new policewoman so as not to fail in her first mission.

Purpose with so that

You can also express purpose with so that. In this case, you generally need to use a modal.

turned down the music so that he wouldn't disturb the neighbors.

He got a visa so that he can travel to the USA.

He decided to stay in England for a while so that he could practice his English.

Purpose with for

Purpose can be also expressed by using for. For may be followed by either a noun or a verb + ing.

I stopped there for a chat.

This mop is for cleaning the floor.

Idioms

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Drastic times call for drastic measures

When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.

Elvis has left the building

The show has come to an end. It's all over.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

Far cry from

Very different from.

Feel a bit under the weather

Feeling slightly

Reported Speech

Direct Speech“I speak English.”

Reported Speech (no backshift no changes) He says that he speaks English

Reported Speech (backshift) changeHe said that he spoke English

Tense Backshift

present simple past simple

present progressive past progressive was/were + ing

simple past

present perfect simple past perfect simple had + past participle

past perfect simple

present perfect progressive have been past perfect progressive had been + ing

past perfect progressive

be going to was/were going to

can could

made might

must had to

future will would