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Holyduke Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Purpose clause vs. reason clause
Hi, I couldn't find a thread on this topic (i only looked at the first 3 pages for my search...there are just too many with the key words)
I am having trouble explaining the difference between the two clauses.
It is simple enough for adults to distinguish what is purpose and what is reason or just simply use sentence structure to separate the two. However, the information I am gathering for this topic is for non-native speakers living in Taiwan.
Here is my own thoughts, could anyone tell me if I am wrong.
Purpose: in order to, so (that), in order that
Reason: because, since, as, given(that), considered/considering (that)
In order to stay fit, I go to the gym. (I proactively go toward my goal of staying fit, so I cause the action "go to the gym")
Because I am obese, I (have to) go to the gym. (do I need have to? Or does it only emphasize the meaning: under certain situation/condition, I have to (passively) react to the condition and therefore have to do something?)
So for purpose: I cause the action for the purpose of
and for reason: The reason caused my action
Is this right?
I am having trouble explaining the difference between the two clauses.
It is simple enough for adults to distinguish what is purpose and what is reason or just simply use sentence structure to separate the two. However, the information I am gathering for this topic is for non-native speakers living in Taiwan.
Here is my own thoughts, could anyone tell me if I am wrong.
Purpose: in order to, so (that), in order that
Reason: because, since, as, given(that), considered/considering (that)
In order to stay fit, I go to the gym. (I proactively go toward my goal of staying fit, so I cause the action "go to the gym")
Because I am obese, I (have to) go to the gym. (do I need have to? Or does it only emphasize the meaning: under certain situation/condition, I have to (passively) react to the condition and therefore have to do something?)
So for purpose: I cause the action for the purpose of
and for reason: The reason caused my action
Is this right?
Top answer
What I am most confused about is that both come down to reason. Purpose clause: Reason - I want to stay fit - to reach that result/ attain that effect - action is caused by me to go to the gym. Reason Clause: Reason - I am fat/obese - don't want this condition to persist - I decided to change that by going to the gym.
- What I am most confused about is that both come down to reason.
- Purpose clause: Reason - I want to stay fit - to reach that result/ attain that effect - action is caused by me to go to the gym.
- Reason Clause: Reason - I am fat/obese - don't want this condition to persist - I decided to change that by going to the gym.
- I find myself in a loop = = I am stuck!
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6 Answers
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What I am most confused about is that both come down to reason.
Purpose clause: Reason - I want to stay fit - to reach that result/ attain that effect - action is caused by me to go to the gym.
Reason Clause: Reason - I am fat/obese - don't want this condition to persist - I decided to change that by going to the gym.
I find myself in a loop = = I am stuck!
Purpose clause: Reason - I want to stay fit - to reach that result/ attain that effect - action is caused by me to go to the gym.
Reason Clause: Reason - I am fat/obese - don't want this condition to persist - I decided to change that by going to the gym.
I find myself in a loop = = I am stuck!
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Don't get stuck on a single example.
purpose =~ goal
reason =~ cause
For infinitives of purpose and infinitives of reason, see
CJ
purpose =~ goal
reason =~ cause
For infinitives of purpose and infinitives of reason, see
CJ
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>< Thx0
You make a good point that the first clause to both of these is the CAUSE of the second clauses:
In order to be fit, I go to the gym.
vs.
Because I am obese, I go to the gym.
Therefore the difference isn't that one is a cause and the other is a goal. While I admit only one is a goal, they are both causes. Therefore, the difference is, one is a cause of this t
In order to be fit, I go to the gym.
vs.
Because I am obese, I go to the gym.
Therefore the difference isn't that one is a cause and the other is a goal. While I admit only one is a goal, they are both causes. Therefore, the difference is, one is a cause of this t
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The reason is the "why" that is the cause.
The purpose is the "what for" that is to achieve a result.
I am studying English in order to fulfil the entry requirements for university. (=purpose).
I am studying English because I need it for University. (=reason).
Very difficult to distinguish the difference with these two preceding sentences.
I am doing my home
The purpose is the "what for" that is to achieve a result.
I am studying English in order to fulfil the entry requirements for university. (=purpose).
I am studying English because I need it for University. (=reason).
Very difficult to distinguish the difference with these two preceding sentences.
I am doing my home
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THANK YOU!
(So many grammar books, web sites, etc, all useless. Your answer - perfect.)
(So many grammar books, web sites, etc, all useless. Your answer - perfect.)
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