Tappakseen

Tappakseen is a Finnish verb form that functions as the infinitive of purpose for the verb tappaa, meaning "to kill." It is used to express the purpose of an action in a non-finite clause, typically in literary or historical contexts. The form is created by attaching the suffix -akseen to the verb stem, producing a non-finite clause that shares the subject with the main clause.

Formation and grammar have some variability in spelling across texts, but the intended meaning remains the same: tappakseen or tappaaakseen (both reflect the same purpose infinitive in practice). The key feature is that the clause conveys why an action occurs, rather than describing the action itself as the main predicate. The subject of the tappakseen clause is usually the same as the subject of the main clause, though Finnish syntax allows flexibility with pronouns and context.

Usage notes include its relative rarity in everyday spoken Finnish, where speakers commonly express purpose with other constructions such as conjunctions (for example, jotta) or with finite verb forms in subordinate clauses. Tappakseen tends to appear in formal writing, historical narratives, biblical translations, or poetic prose, where archaic or elevated style is desired.

Example (illustrative): Hän lähti tappakseen vihollisen. This sentence conveys the purpose of leaving as “to kill the enemy,” sharing the subject with the main clause. In contemporary usage, speakers often default to other means of expressing purpose.

See also: Finnish infinitive of purpose, Jotta-constructions, Finnish grammar, non-finite clauses.