Conjonctions de but

The main star here is pour. In English, we often translate this as "to" or "in order to." It is a preposition that acts as a connector. You place it right after your main action. Then, you follow it with the basic form of a verb. This basic form is called the infinitive. It is like a grammar Lego set. You snap the pieces together to build a complete thought. You don't need to conjugate the second verb. This makes your life much easier! Just remember: Action + pour + Goal. It is a straight line from your start to your finish. Even native speakers rely on this simple structure constantly. It is the most efficient way to express intent in French.

1. 1Building these sentences follows a very strict and easy pattern. Follow these three steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Start with your main sentence (Subject + Conjugated Verb).
3. 3Add the magic word pour.
4. 4Add the second verb in its infinitive form (ending in -er, -ir, or -re).
5. 5Example: Je travaille (I work) + pour + gagner (to earn) + de l'argent (money).
6. 6Result: Je travaille pour gagner de l'argent.
7. 7If you want to say "not to" do something, use pour ne pas.
8. 8Example: Je cours pour ne pas rater le train. (I run in order not to miss the train).
9. 9Notice how ne pas stays together before the infinitive. It is like a little shield protecting the verb.

Use pour whenever you have a goal in mind. Use it in real-world scenarios like these:

• Ordering Food: Un café pour emporter, s'il vous plaît. (A coffee to go, please).
• Asking Directions: Je cherche la gare pour aller à Lyon. (I am looking for the station to go to Lyon).
• Job Interviews: Je suis ici pour apprendre. (I am here to learn).
• Daily Errands: Je vais au supermarché pour acheter du pain. (I go to the supermarket to buy bread).
• Socializing: Je t'appelle pour inviter Marie. (I am calling you to invite Marie).

It is perfect for explaining the "reason for being" of any action. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It gives you the green light to move toward your objective. If there is a "why" in your head, pour is the answer on your tongue.

Do not confuse purpose with cause. This is a common trap!

• Use pour for a goal (future intent).
• Use parce que for a reason (past or current cause).

If you say Je mange pour j'ai faim, that is wrong. You should say Je mange parce que j'ai faim.

You also shouldn't use pour to talk about a duration of time in the past. For that, we use pendant.

Don't use pour when you are talking about a destination only. For "I am going to Paris," just say Je vais à Paris. You don't need pour unless you are going there *to do* something specific. Keep it lean and mean!

Many people try to conjugate the second verb.

✗ Je viens pour je mange.

✓ Je viens pour manger.

Another mistake is using pour with parce que logic.

✗ Je pleure pour je suis triste.

✓ Je pleure parce que je suis triste.

Sometimes, learners forget the pour entirely.

✗ Je vais le magasin acheter du lait.

✓ Je vais au magasin pour acheter du lait.

Also, watch out for the English "for + -ing" trap. In English, we say "Thanks for coming." In French, we never use the -ant form after pour. We use the infinitive or a past infinitive. For now, just stick to the rule: pour + infinitive is your safe zone. Even if it feels weird, trust the pattern!

You might hear the phrase afin de. This is just a fancy, formal version of pour. You will see it in books or hear it in a speech. At A1, you don't need to use it, but you should recognize it. It follows the exact same rule: afin de + infinitive.

Compare pour with pour que.

• pour + infinitive: The subject is the same. (I study to pass).
• pour que + subjunctive: The subject changes. (I study so *you* pass).

Since the subjunctive is a beast for later levels, stick to pour for now. It covers 90% of your needs. It is the reliable bicycle of French grammar, while pour que is a complicated sports car.