tutkitakseen

Tutkitakseen is a Finnish non-finite verb form derived from the verb tutkia, meaning to investigate. It is the third infinitive form (kolmannen infinitiivin) and is used to express purpose or aim in a sentence. In formal and written Finnish, this form appears in constructions that describe what is to be done in order to achieve a goal, rather than describing the action itself.

Morphology and use

The third infinitive is formed from the verb stem with the suffix -akseen, producing forms such as tutkitakseen. This form typically functions to express purpose in relation to another clause or action, and it often appears after verbs or phrases indicating intention, or in clauses introduced to explain the aim of an activity. It can be translated as “in order to investigate” in English. Other common examples of the same pattern include tehtäkseen (to do in order to) and kirjoittaakseen (to write in order to).

Examples and context

A typical usage is to indicate the purpose of an instrument, method, or action: Käytetään mittaria tutkitakseen tuloksia, meaning “A device is used to investigate the results.” The form is more common in formal, technical, or academic Finnish, where precise purpose statements are important. In everyday spoken Finnish, speakers more often use simpler constructions or alternative expressions to convey purpose.

Relationship to other infinitives

Tutkitakseen is part of the broader Finnish system of non-finite verb forms. It is related to other infinitives that express purpose or intention, and it can be contrasted with the plain infinitive (tutkia) or other non-finite forms in contexts where nuance of purpose is required.

See also

Finnish grammar; infinitives; kolmannen infinitiivin.