In order v. in order that v. in order for v. in order to

Question

I would like to ask about the differences between "in order to", "in order for", "in order that" and just "in order."

Here is an example: "In order that such lines be parallel, they must have the same slope but different y-intercepts."

What if we use say "In order such lines be parallel ... " or "In order for such lines be parallel ..." or "in order to such lines be parallel ..." ?

Thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

None of those are natural English.

For two lines to be parallel, they must...

Ruby2zdy · Answer

"In order that such lines be parallel ..." is OK, but a somewhat awkward and unexpected by most people. Better form: "In order for such lines to be parallel ..." Not "In order for such lines be parallel ..." because the verb is actually "to be". Sometimes the "to" can be left out if it's implied clearly enough, but in common (and correct) English usage, in your sentence to "to" is used. "In order to such lines be ..." is not correct because "In order to" needs to be followed by a verb.

CalifJim · Answer

hhtt"in order to", "in order for", "in order that"

'in order' is followed by either a finite construction [ in order that ] or a non-finite construction [ in order (for ...) to ...].
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The finite construction is used mostly in academic or formal contexts and is typically a mandative ("subjunctive") or modal construction.

We will send the package by express mail in order that the customer [will/may] get it by Friday.
They held the meeting in the town hall in order that every interested citizen [should/would] be able to attend.
We will start early in order that we [will/can] be there before dark.

Less formally, these are phrased as "so (that)", e.g., ... so (that) every interested citizen can attend.
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The non-finite construction used after 'in order' is the FOR ... TO ... (infinitival) clause. The for-phrase, which indicates the subject of the infinitive, is optional.

In order for the system to run efficiently, all these pipes need to be kept in good working order.
Further documentary evidence will be necessary in order for the applicant to establish that he created the design.
In order for ultrasound to be performed safely, robust training needs to be available.

If the for-phrase is absent, the subject of the infinitive can be recovered from the context of the sentence. If not, it can be recovered as a more general term from the context of the topic being discussed.

In recent years parents have increased expenditures in order to improve the education of their children. (The subject of the infinitive is "parents".)
Supposedly, there are ten rules men must know in order to deal with women. (The subject of the infinitive is "men".)
In order to be certain that no air had escaped, the manometer was placed in melting ice a second time. (The subject is not very explicit.  We can say that it is most likely to be "the scientists" or "the researchers".)

CJ

In order v. in order that v. in order for v. in order to

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