aiheuttaakseen

aiheuttaakseen is the third infinitive form of the Finnish verb aiheuttaa, meaning to cause. This non-finite form is used to express purpose or aim in relation to the action described in the main clause. In English it corresponds roughly to “in order to cause” or “to cause.” The form is most common in formal or written Finnish, such as legal, academic, or policy texts.

Formation and usage: The word is created by adding the third infinitive suffix -akseen to the stem aiheuta-, yielding aiheuttaakseen. It is typically used after a noun or phrase indicating purpose (for example, tarkoituksena or tavoitteena) or in clauses that describe the intended effect of an action. It cannot function as a standalone finite verb; it headlines the intended outcome of another action. It can often be paraphrased with constructions like “tarkoituksena aiheuttaa …” or with other periphrastic expressions in everyday speech.

Grammatical notes: The form contrasts with the present participle aiheuttaen, which means “causing” and can describe concurrent action. The third infinitive is more common in formal writing to state aims succinctly, such as laws, plans, or research rationales. The noun form aiheuttaminen (the act of causing) is related and used to name the process itself.

Examples:

- Hanke toteutettiin aiheuttaakseen taloudellista kehitystä.

- Lainsäädäntö uudistettiin aiheuttaakseen ympäristövastuun lisääntymistä.

See also: aiheuttaa, aiheuttaminen, aiheuttaminen in Finnish grammar.