a fin de que
conjunctionCEFR B1
What does “a fin de que” mean in English?
in order that — formal
in order that — formal (a fin de que + subjunctive — written formal register only)
Example sentences
Se publicó el informe con dos semanas de antelación a fin de que todos los miembros pudieran consultarlo antes de la votación.
The report was published two weeks in advance so that all members could consult it before the vote.
Le enviamos estos materiales a fin de que pueda preparar su intervención con la mayor información disponible.
We are sending you these materials so that you can prepare your presentation with the most information available.
Redactamos el contrato en términos claros a fin de evitar cualquier ambigüedad posterior.
We drafted the contract in clear terms in order to avoid any subsequent ambiguity.
How to use it
A fin de que means 'in order that' — it is the formal written equivalent of para que and always triggers subjunctive. It is rarely used in spoken language and belongs firmly to formal written registers: academic, legal, and official documents. Like para que, when subjects are the same, the construction becomes a fin de + infinitive. A fin de que is more emphatic and formal than para que, signalling that the purpose is being foregrounded with some weight.
Common mistake
A fin de que sounds overly formal in everyday conversation — use para que instead. The subjunctive rule is identical to para que. The key distinction: same subjects → a fin de + infinitive; different subjects → a fin de que + subjunctive. Learners sometimes write 'a fin que' (dropping de) — this is a written error: the de is obligatory.