Houkutellakseen

Houkutellakseen is a Finnish non-finite verb form derived from the verb houkutella, meaning to entice or attract. It is the third infinitive form, expressed with the suffix -akseen, and is used to indicate purpose or intention in non-finite clauses. The form is not inflected for person or number and cannot stand alone as a finite verb; instead, it modifies the action of a main verb.

Formation and use: The base stem houkutell- combines with the third infinitive suffix -akseen to yield houkutellakseen. This construction is common in formal or written Finnish, especially when describing actions taken with a view to achieving a specific result. It answers the question “for the purpose of what?” and is often found in clauses that express aims or strategies.

Typical contexts: Houkutellakseen is used in sentences where the main clause describes an action taken to attract someone or something. It frequently appears after verbs such as suunnata, käyttää, investoida, or kampanja, and can also occur in passive-voice contexts that state an objective.

Examples:

- Kampanja on suunnattu houkutellakseen sijoittajia.

- Yritys investoi brändimainontaan houkutellakseen lisää asiakkaita.

- Koulutustarjonta on suunniteltu houkutellakseen nuoria työntekijöitä.

Relation to other forms: Houkutellakseen is related to other -akseen forms like katsoakseen or lukeakseen, all of which are used to express purpose in non-finite clauses. It contrasts with finite verb forms that indicate tense and subject agreement, providing a concise way to state goals within a sentence.