Using in order that

This construction is used to talk about purpose. It is mostly used in formal academic writing. In an informal style, we use so that.

In order that is commonly followed by modal auxiliary verbs.

We send them weekly reports in order that they may have full information about their children’s progress.

We are starting now in order that we will be there by evening.

She is taking a six months break in order that she can spend more time with her baby.

I have come early in order that I can talk to you.

After in order that, we sometimes use present tenses to refer to the future.

Send the letter by express mail in order that she gets it before Wednesday. OR Send the letter by express mail in order that she will get it before Wednesday.

I am starting now in order that I don’t get stuck in the traffic. OR I am starting now in order that I won’t get stuck in the traffic.

Past structures

In sentences about the past, the modal auxiliaries would, should or could can be used after in order that.

I made an early start in order that I wouldn’t get stuck in the traffic.

They held the party on a Sunday in order that everybody should be able to attend.