Dear 1L: Ban “in order to”

Dear 1L,

If you’re someone who routinely writes the phrase “in order to,” I suggest you reconsider.  

Almost always, a simple “to” will do.

Try it when you edit your writing this summer.  Run a search for the phrase “in order to.”  Substitute the simple “to.”

You should find that your sentences still say precisely what they said before.  But with more punch.

Ex. 

Jan went to law school in order to earn a JD.  In order to get good grades, she made sure she slept 8 hours each night, and she focused her study time between 7 and 10 each morning. She also exercised regularly in order to keep her anxiety in check.

Any “in order to” phrase that you’d keep in the above?

***

To be sure, on rare occasions, “in order to” can promote clarity—such as when a sentence already contains several “to” words, and you want to emphasize a change in focus or emphasis.  

But err on the side of banning “in order to.” 

Almost always, you’ll maintain clarity.  At the same time, you’ll eliminate a stumble for your Reader and shave two words.

Fondly,

💌 Amanda

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