Concept:
Gypsum is added to cement to control the setting time. Without gypsum, cement may set very quickly due to rapid reaction of \(C_3A\).
Step 1: Cement contains tricalcium aluminate:
\[
C_3A
\]
Step 2: \(C_3A\) reacts very fast with water.
Step 3: If this reaction is not controlled, flash setting occurs.
Step 4: Gypsum slows down the reaction of \(C_3A\), thereby increasing the setting time.
Therefore, gypsum is added to cement to:
\[
\boxed{\text{Retard setting}}
\]