Hallitakseen

Hallitakseen is a Finnish non-finite verb form derived from hallita (to govern, to rule). It is the third infinitive active and is used to express purpose or intent, roughly translating to "to govern" or "in order to govern" depending on context. The form is more common in formal, literary, or historical Finnish and can appear in legal or descriptive texts.

Formation: The 3rd infinitive active is created by attaching the suffix -akseen to the verb stem, with vowel harmony applied. From hallita the form becomes hallitakseen. Other verbs yield forms such as kirjoittaakseen ("in order to write"), noudattaakseen ("to comply"), etc.

Usage: It functions as a non-finite clause expressing purpose, often in clauses linked to verbs of intention, necessity, or description. Because it is non-finite, the subject is not specified and is inferred from the surrounding sentence. It is comparable in English to "to govern" or "in order to govern."

Note: In everyday speech, the third infinitive is less frequent, and speakers may instead use finite forms or other constructions to convey purpose. It remains an important part of Finnish grammar for understanding historical, legal, or stylistic texts.