välttääksemme

Välttääksemme is a Finnish word that functions as a purpose clause or a conditional subordinate clause. It is derived from the infinitive verb "välttää," meaning "to avoid." The suffix "-ksemme" indicates a first-person plural possessive suffix, implying "for us to avoid" or "so that we avoid."

In Finnish grammar, "välttääksemme" is used to express the reason or purpose for a preceding action, often translated into English as "in order for us to avoid," "so that we can avoid," or simply "to avoid." It connects a main clause with a subordinate clause that explains the intention behind the action described in the main clause.

For example, the sentence "Teimme kovasti töitä välttääksemme virheitä" translates to "We worked hard so that we could avoid mistakes." Here, "välttääksemme virheitä" explains the purpose of working hard. Another example could be "Puhuimme hiljaa välttääksemme herättämästä ketään," meaning "We spoke quietly to avoid waking anyone."

The structure highlights the proactive measure taken to prevent a particular outcome. It is a common and idiomatic way to express purpose in Finnish, emphasizing the collective intention of a group. Understanding this construction is key to comprehending the nuances of Finnish sentence structure when discussing shared goals or preventative actions.