In Order To (以便)
以便
以便 (yǐbiàn) means "in order to," "so as to," or "so that" and is a formal conjunction used to express purpose, typically in written or official Chinese.
Pattern
Action/Preparation，以便 + Purpose/Result
Explanation
以便 is a formal conjunction that introduces a purpose or intended result. It is more literary and formal than 为了 and is commonly found in written Chinese, official documents, announcements, and academic writing. In everyday conversation, 为了 or 好 (hǎo, so that) are preferred.
以便 appears between two clauses: the first states the action or preparation, and the second (introduced by 以便) states the intended purpose or benefit. The subject of both clauses is usually the same, though the second clause may have a different subject in formal contexts.
Related expressions: 为了 (wèile, more conversational), 以免 (yǐmiǎn, "in order to avoid" — opposite purpose), and 好 (hǎo, colloquial "so that").
Examples
Qǐng tíqián dàodá, yǐbiàn wǒmen ànshí kāishǐ.
Please arrive early so that we can start on time.
Tā měi tiān liànxí xiězì, yǐbiàn tígāo shūfǎ shuǐpíng.
He practices writing every day in order to improve his calligraphy.
Wǒ bǎ dìzhǐ fā gěi nǐ, yǐbiàn nǐ zhǎodào dìfang.
I'll send you the address so that you can find the place.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
以便按时开始，请提前到达。
Correct
请提前到达，以便按时开始。
以便 introduces the purpose clause, which comes second. The action/preparation comes first.
Wrong
我学中文以便。
Correct
我学中文，以便能看懂中文书。
以便 must be followed by a purpose clause. It cannot end a sentence alone.
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