"in order to do sth" vs "in order for sb to do sth"

Question

"in order to do sth" vs "in order for sb to do sth"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In order for sb to do sth' is used when specifying who needs to do something, while 'in order to do sth' is more general and does not specify a particular person. The choice between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the person who needs to do something or not.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used in a general sense to indicate the action that needs to be taken. It does not specify a particular person.

Examples:

In order to succeed, you must work hard.
In order to win, everyone must cooperate.
In order to understand, you need to pay attention.

Alternatives:

In order for sb to do sth
For sb to do sth
For someone to do sth
So that sb can do sth
So that someone can do sth

This phrase is used to indicate the specific person who needs to do something. It is followed by the action that person needs to take.

Examples:

In order for Sarah to succeed, she needs to work hard.
In order for the team to win, everyone must cooperate.
In order for him to understand, you need to explain it clearly.

Alternatives:

In order to do sth
For sb to do sth
For someone to do sth
So that sb can do sth
So that someone can do sth

Answer 1

in order to do sth

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when the specific person who needs to do something is not emphasized.

Answer 2

in order for sb to do sth

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when specifying who needs to do something.

"in order to do sth" vs "in order for sb to do sth"

in order to do sth

in order for sb to do sth

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