Havainnoidakseen

Havainnoidakseen is the 3rd infinitive form of the Finnish verb havainnoida, meaning to observe or perceive. This form expresses purpose, roughly translating to “in order to observe” in English. It is most commonly found in formal or written Finnish, particularly in scientific or descriptive prose, and in subordinate clauses that convey intention.

The 3rd infinitive is formed by adding the suffix -akseen to the verb stem, here havainnoid-. It does not reflect person or number; the subject of the 3rd infinitive is typically the same as the subject of the main clause. Havainnoidakseen is often used with verbs of movement, intention, or method, such as mennä, pyrkiä, or käyttää, to indicate what the subject intends to observe.

Usage notes include that havainnoidakseen conveys purposeful observation. It is common in academic writing and in formal descriptions of procedures or methods. In everyday speech, Finns more often use verb forms that are less formal or rephrase with jotka, jotta, or other clausal constructions to express purpose.

Examples:

- Hän meni pihalle havainnoidakseen säätilan muutoksia. (He went outside in order to observe changes in the weather.)

- Tutkimuksessa käytettiin havainnoidakseen potilaiden vasteita erilaisissa olosuhteissa. (The study used [the method of] observing the patients’ responses under different conditions.)

In summary, havainnoidakseen is a specialized, purpose-marking infinitive form of havainnoida, primarily encountered in formal Finnish to indicate observational aims or procedures.