An adverb of purpose explains why something happened.
Here are some examples of adverbs of purpose:
|
because |
in order to |
since |
|
so |
so that |
thus |
Adverbs of purpose are usually placed after the main verb. They can be used before the main verb for emphasis on the result. The placement of the adverb does not affect the general meaning of the sentence.
For example:
|
Adverb example |
Function |
|
Margaret hurried up in order to be on time. |
Placing the adverb after simply states why she hurried up. |
|
She changed the title of her new book at the last minute, thus creating chaos with her editor. |
Placing the adverb before focuses on the result of the action of changing the title of her new book. |
Margaret, the character used in the examples, was inspired by the Canadian author Margaret Atwood. To learn more about her extraordinary life and work, visit this website.