Spanish offers a variety of expressions to express purpose that allow speakers to pinpoint their motives with precision and clarity. For example, con el objetivo de or a fin de are two of them.

This article covers six different expressions to express purpose in Spanish, exploring their usage and the contexts in which they shine brightest. Understanding these expressions will enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

Expressions to Express Purpose in Spanish

There are several structures or expressions to express purpose or objectives in Spanish. Probably the most popular one is para. The rest of the expressions to express a purpose that we are going to cover in this article are rather formal and probably not used in everyday conversations but in writing.

We will provide one translation per each of them, but take into account that these expressions to express purpose may not have one single equivalent in English. You can use several alternatives (such as in order to, so that, with the aim of…).

You will need a verb in the infinitive after any of these expressions to express purpose. However, pay attention that que is often added when there are two different subjects. Notice that the subjunctive is used when que is present. See and compare the following two sentences.

Tenemos que pensar la mejor estrategia para tener éxito.

We have to think about the best strategy in order to be successful.

Tenemos que pensar la mejor estrategia para que nuestro proyecto tenga éxito.

We have to think about the best strategy so that our project is successful.

Para (to, in order to)

Te ayudaré con las clases de inglés para que puedas ir a Canadá.

I’ll help you with English lessons so that you can to go to Canada.

Aumentó la velocidad para alcanzar el puerto antes del anochecer.

He sped up to reach the harbor before nightfall.

Avísame antes de venir para que me prepare y así evitar que tengas que esperar.

Let me know before you come so that I can get ready and this way keep you from having to wait.

A fin de (with the aim of)

Hemos diseñado un plan a fin de que la producción aumente.

We have designed a plan with the aim of increasing the production.

A fin de evacuar la cubierta, el capitán ha ordenado que subamos al bote salvavidas.

With the aim of evacuating the deck, the captain ordered us to get into the lifeboat.

Van a pedir el carné de identidad y el visado a fin de hacer un viaje de negocios a Londres.

They are going to ask for the ID and the visa with the aim of making a business trip London.

Con el propósito de (with the purpose of)

Con el propósito de inaugurar el curso escolar, la profesora dará un discurso.

The teacher will give a speech with the purpose of starting off the school year.

Con el propósito de mejorar sus aptitudes laborales, Verónica comenzó a estudiar inglés.

With the purpose of improving her job skills, Veronica began to study English.

Con el propósito de que hagamos una fiesta inolvidable, sugiero contratar una orquesta.

With the purpose of making an unforgettable party, I suggest hiring an orchestra.

Con el objetivo de (in hopes of)

Con el objetivo de conseguir su aprobación, escribieron un informe muy completo.

They wrote up a very comprehensive report in hopes of getting their approval.

Ofreceremos un curso de jardinería con el objetivo de enseñarles sobre plantas a los niños.

We will offer a gardening course in hopes of teaching the children about plants.

Estuvieron trabajando duro con el objetivo de reparar el mástil antes de la competición.

They worked hard in hopes of repairing the mast before the competition.

Con ánimo de (with the intention of)

Fue a ver a su tío con ánimo de recibir una explicación sobre lo sucedido.

He went to see his uncle with the intention of receiving an explanation of what happened.

Ha visitado a varios psicólogos con ánimo de que lo ayuden a superar sus problemas.

He has visited several psychologists with the intention of getting help overcoming his problems.

Iniciaron la búsqueda después de la tormenta con ánimo de encontrar a la niña desaparecida.

After the storm they began searching with the intention of finding the missing girl.

Con vistas a (with the idea of)

Regalamos caramelos con vistas a alegrar a los niños del parque.

We gave out candies in order with the idea of cheering up the children in the park.

Están buscando trabajo en la ciudad con vistas a cambiar su estilo de vida.

They are looking for a job in the city with the idea of changing their lifestyle.

¿Qué te parece dejar un espacio libre en el medio del salón con vistas a hacer un concurso de baile?

What do you think about creating an open space in the middle of the living room with the idea of ​​hosting a dance contest?

Exercises

In this article, we have seen six different expressions to express purpose in Spanish. You can practice these expressions to express purpose with the following exercises.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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