Purpose clauses – GCSE Latin OCR Revision

Understanding Purpose Clauses

Purpose clauses are used in Latin to express the intention or aim of an action.
These clauses often initiate with conjunctions such as ut (in order that, so that) or ne (in order not to, lest).
Purpose clauses are always used in subjunctive mood.
This type of clause describes an intended result that may come from an action, but does not necessarily need to happen.

The main verb of the sentence will be in the indicative mood, and this event or action leads to the purpose or goal stated in the purpose clause.
The verb within the purpose clause itself is in the subjunctive mood.
They often use sequence of tenses. If the main verb is in a primary tense (present, future, or future perfect), the subjunctive verb in the purpose clause will also be in a primary tense (present or perfect subjunctive). If the main verb is in a historic tense (imperfect, perfect, or pluperfect), the verb in the purpose clause will also be in a historic tense (imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive).

In translation, an ‘in order to’ or ‘so that’ phrase may be included before the purpose clause to clarify its purpose.
For instance, the Latin sentence “Pugnavit ut urbem defenderet,” translates to “He fought in order to defend the city,” wherein ‘in order to defend the city’ is the purpose clause.
Noting context is important when translating, as it helps determine whether the clause is a purpose clause or another subjunctive clause type.

Identifying key words like ut and ne can be a strong hint that a purpose clause is present.
Look for a change in verb mood from the main part of the sentence to the clause.
Understanding the role of purpose clauses is critical for interpreting complex Latin sentences and understanding the precise intent of the writer.