Voidaksemme

Voidaksemme is a Finnish non-finite verb form used to express purpose with the first-person plural subject. It translates roughly to “in order that we may” or “so that we may.” The form is built from the verb voida (to be able) with the purpose-marker -kse- and the plural possessive ending -mme: voidaksemme, followed by the infinitive of the main verb. It corresponds to similar purpose forms such as voidakseen for third-person singular (“in order that he may”).

Usage and examples

Voidaksemme occurs in subordinate purpose clauses and is common in written Finnish, especially in formal, administrative, or academic contexts. It expresses intentional ability or opportunity for the subject group. It is often used after verbs of action or planning: for example, Kävimme kurssilla voidaksemme oppia lisää, meaning “We attended the course so that we may learn more.” It is relatively formal; in everyday language speakers typically replace it with jotta voimme or with the bare infinitive structures.

Formation and variation

The construction shares a common pattern with other -kse- based purpose forms, varying by the person of the subject. The first-person plural form is voidaksemme; other persons use corresponding forms like voidakseen (third person) or voidakseenne (second person plural) in contexts where those forms exist. In many contexts, speakers prefer the more everyday jotta voimme or other paraphrases rather than the formal voidaksemme.

See also

Finnish grammar; infinitive of purpose; conjunctions such as jotta.