目的状语从句就是在复合句中表示主句动作发生目的'的状语从句。用于引导目的状语从句的连词不多，比较常用的有in order that和so that，另外，in case有时也可引导目的状语从句。
1. 用in order that引导：in order that的意思是为了。如：
He studied hard in order that he could pass the exam. 他努力学习以便能考试及格。
He left early in order that he should / would / might arrive on time. 他早早动身好按时到达。
该结构有时可与 in order to 转换。如：
He is working hard in order to pass the examination.=He is working hard in order that he can pass the examination. 为了考试及格，他正在努力学习。
2. 用so that引导：so that此时的意思是以便。如：
Bring it closer that I might see it better. 拿近些，使我能看得清楚些。
She burned the letters so that her husband would never read them. 她把信都烧了，这样一来她丈夫就永远看不到了。
注意：so that引导目的状语从句与引导结果状语从句时的意思不一样。
