Formal Purpose Clauses
To state the purpose of an action, you already know to use para que (so that) followed by the subjunctive. In formal contexts—such as when discussing business, government, or a new política (policy)—Spanish often uses more elevated connectors.
The most common of these is a fin de que (in order that). Because it introduces a goal that hasn't been realized yet, it always requires the subjunctive.
| The president (m) changes the policy in order that the economy improves. | El presidente cambia la política a fin de que mejore la economía. |
With the Aim That
Another professional way to state an ultimate goal is con el fin de que (with the aim that). You will frequently hear this when an organization decides to implementar (implement) a measure or pass a ley (law).
| The boss (f) has implemented this new law with the aim that we pay less. | La jefa ha implementado esta nueva ley con el fin de que paguemos menos. |
With the Intention That
When talking about strategies—for instance, when a company tries to fomentar (encourage) a practice that is sostenible (sustainable)—you can use con la intención de que (with the intention that). Just like the other purpose connectors, it triggers the subjunctive.
| The director (f) encourages sustainable transport with the intention that the air is clean. | La directora fomenta el transporte sostenible con la intención de que el aire esté limpio. |
Institutional Action
These advanced purpose clauses are essential for understanding official language. You will see them constantly in the news when reading about actions taken by el ministerio (the ministry) to improve public sectors like la educación (education).
| The ministry invests in education in order that the children learn. | El ministerio invierte en educación a fin de que los niños aprendan. |
| My brother likes to implement changes with the intention that education advances. | A mi hermano le gusta implementar cambios con la intención de que la educación avance. |
