Purpose Clauses
A purpose clause expresses the aim or intention behind an action. In Latin, it is introduced by ut (positive) or nē (negative) + a subjunctive verb.
How Purpose Clauses Work
Positive purpose: main verb + ut + subjunctive — "in order to / so that [subject] may verb"
Negative purpose: main verb + nē + subjunctive — "in order not to / so that [subject] may not verb"
Alternative: ad + gerund or gerundive can also express purpose — ad urbem aedificandam = for the purpose of building a city.
Tense: purpose clauses follow sequence of tenses. Present subjunctive follows primary sequence (present/future main verb); imperfect subjunctive follows secondary sequence (past main verb).
Worked Examples
- vēnit ut rēgem vidēret. — He came in order to see the king. (secondary sequence: imperfect subjunctive after perfect main verb)
- fūgērunt nē caperentur. — They fled so that they would not be captured. (negative purpose with nē)
- mīlitēs misit ut urbem dēfenderent. — He sent soldiers to defend the city. (secondary sequence: imperfect subjunctive)
- labōrāmus ut discāmus. — We work in order to learn. (primary sequence: present subjunctive after present main verb)
Purpose vs Result Clauses
| Feature | Purpose Clause | Result Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Introducer | ut / nē | ut (always positive after tam/ita/adeō) |
| Clue in main clause | verb of motion or intention | tam, ita, adeō, tantus, tot |
| Question it answers | Why? (aim) | What happened? (outcome) |
| Subjunctive tense | follows sequence | follows sequence |
| Example | vēnit ut vidēret | tam fortis erat ut nēmō eum vinceret |
Exam tip: Purpose and result both use ut + subjunctive — the distinction is the signal in the main clause. Result always has tam, ita, adeō, or tantus pointing forward to the ut clause. Purpose does not.
See Also
- Result Clauses — same ut + subjunctive, different signal in main clause
- Indirect Commands — also use ut/nē + subjunctive
- Sequence of Tenses — governs subjunctive tense choice