Näitamaks

Näitamaks is a non-finite verb form of the Estonian verb näitama (to show). It functions as an infinitive of purpose and is used to express the aim or intention of an action. In English this corresponds to "in order to show" or "to demonstrate." As a purpose-infinitive, näitamaks is not the main verb of a clause but clarifies why the action is carried out.

Usage and function

Näitamaks appears in written and formal Estonian to introduce a purpose clause. It is typically placed before or after the main clause and is often followed by a fact or result that fulfills the stated purpose. It can be preceded by a comma, creating a clear separation between the purpose and the main action. It is most common in manuals, reports, presentations, and academic writing; in everyday speech, speakers often replace it with a finite clause introduced by et or with other constructions.

Examples

- Näitamaks, kuidas süsteem töötab, koostas ta video. (To show how the system works, he prepared a video.)

- Ta esitas raporti näitamaks oma tulemusi. (He submitted the report to demonstrate his results.)

- Näitamaks oma oskusi, kirjutas ta ökoloogiauurimuse. (To demonstrate his skills, he wrote an ecology study.)

Relation to other constructions

Näitamaks contrasts with using a finite clause such as et näitab or showing the result directly. The form is a formal, purpose-oriented non-finite variant and is often preferred in technical or academic style when the emphasis is on the intention behind the action. In less formal contexts, speakers may opt for simpler or more direct ways to express the same idea.