Suunnitellakseen

Suunnitellakseen is a non-finite verb form in Finnish that expresses purpose. It translates roughly to “in order to plan” or “so as to plan” in English and is formed from the verb suunnitella (to plan) with the suffix -akseen.

Formation and function: The form is created by attaching -akseen to the stem of the active infinitive of the verb. For suunnitella, this yields suunnitellakseen. This construction functions as an infinitive of purpose, similar to English “in order to,” and is used to indicate the aim or motive of the action described in the main clause. The subject of the -akseen infinitive is typically the same as the subject of the main verb, though other subject relationships can occur in more complex sentences.

Usage in text: Suunnitellakseen involves planning or deliberate organization as the intended outcome of an action. It is common in formal or written Finnish, including reports, proposals, and academic writing. It can be found after verbs of preparation, decision-making, or investigation, linking the action to its goal of planning.

Examples:

- Hän opiskeli lisää suunnitellakseen tulevaa tutkimusta. (He studied further in order to plan future research.)

- Yritys teki lisäanalysoita suunnitellakseen projektin aikataulun. (The company conducted additional analyses to plan the project timetable.)

Notes: The -akseen form is one of several infinitives of purpose in Finnish and is most natural in formal contexts. In everyday speech, speakers may use other constructions such as ja jotta or jotta plus a finite verb to express purpose, depending on style and clarity.