Some writing problems hide in plain sight. They're not grammar mistakes. They're not spelling errors. Most readers won't consciously notice them, yet they quietly make sentences longer, slower, and less effective.
One of the biggest offenders is the phrase in order to. Writers use it because it sounds like proper writing: formal and complete. Unfortunately, it often adds words without adding meaning. But in most cases, removing it makes the sentence stronger.
Why Writers Use It
The phrase in order to explains purpose. Consider this example from Jack and the Beanstalk:
Jack climbed the beanstalk in order to find the giant's castle.
Sure, the sentence makes perfect sense. Now read it with the phrase removed:
Jack climbed the beanstalk to find the giant's castle.
The meaning stays exactly the same, but the sentence becomes shorter, cleaner, and easier to read. This is what makes in order to such a common source of wordiness. Most of the time, the words are unnecessary.
The Hidden Problem with Extra Words
Many writers assume additional words create additional clarity. Usually, the opposite is true. When readers move through sentences looking for meaning, unnecessary words become a small obstacle between the reader and the point you're trying to make.
Consider these examples:
Jack traded the cow in order to obtain the magic beans.
Jack traded the cow to obtain the magic beans.
Now read the sentence without the added words:
Jack traded the cow for magic beans.
The fewer obstacles readers encounter, the smoother the reading experience becomes.
Formal Doesn't Mean Better
One reason writers, especially nonfiction writers, cling to phrases like in order to is that they sound more formal. Unfortunately, formal language often sounds less natural. You wouldn't say, "I entered the cottage in order to speak with the giant." Good writing tries to communicate clearly and doesn't try to sound impressive.
Small Changes Add Up
One occurrence of in order to isn't a problem. Twenty occurrences across a manuscript create a pattern. Worse, any writers unknowingly stack wordy phrases on top of one another:
Jack climbed the beanstalk in order to attempt to find a way to reach the castle.
The sentence technically works, but it's carrying several unnecessary passengers. A cleaner version might read:
Jack climbed the beanstalk to reach the castle.
By removing eight words from the first sentence, the action becomes immediate and the purpose clearer.
When the Phrase Actually Helps
Like most writing advice, this isn't an absolute rule. Occasionally, in order to provides emphasis or helps avoid confusion.
The villagers left early in order to avoid the storm.
Even here, the shorter version works, however, the added emphasis feels intentional.
The goal is not to eliminate every occurrence automatically. The goal is to examine whether the phrase is contributing something useful.
Look for Other Wordy Purpose Phrases
Once you start noticing in order to, you'll often discover related phrases nearby that create the same problem. Watch for constructions such as:
- for the purpose of
- with the intention of
- in an effort to
- for the reason that
- in the process of trying to
Remove any of these phrases to reach the point faster.
A Quick Editing Exercise
Open a chapter of your manuscript and search for in order to or any of the phrases in the last section. Review every occurrence individually and ask yourself:
- Does removing the phrase change the meaning?
- Does the sentence remain clear?
- Can I replace the entire phrase with a single simple preposition?
Most of the time, the answer will be yes. You may be surprised by how much tighter your writing becomes after only a few minutes of editing.
Every Word Should Earn Its Place
Strong writing isn't about using the fewest possible words. It's about using the right words. Every word should contribute meaning, clarity, or emphasis. When a phrase performs no useful function, it's simply taking up space. That's the problem with in order to. It often asks readers to process three words when one will do. And in writing, those extra words add up faster than most writers realize. The next time you encounter in order to, try removing it. Your sentence will probably thank you.