Structure of Final Subordinate Clauses
Final subordinate clauses typically follow the main clause and are introduced by conjunctions that indicate purpose The most common conjunctions include para que so that a fin de que in order that con el fin de que with the purpose that and con el objetivo de que with the aim that The general structure is Main clause conjunction subordinate clause
These clauses often use the subjunctive mood because they refer to an intended outcome that is not guaranteed to happen
Common Conjunctions
Para que so that
Para que is the most frequently used conjunction to express purpose It introduces the intended result or goal of the action in the main clause
Examples
1 Estudio mucho para que pueda aprobar el examen I study a lot so that I can pass the exam
The subordinate clause para que pueda aprobar el examen explains the purpose of studying
2 Trabajo duro para que mis hijos tengan un buen futuro I work hard so that my children have a good future
The clause para que mis hijos tengan un buen futuro indicates the aim of working hard
A fin de que in order that
A fin de que is a more formal expression used to introduce the purpose of an action often found in written and formal speech
Examples
1 Te lo explico a fin de que entiendas mejor I explain it to you in order that you understand better
The subordinate clause a fin de que entiendas mejor clarifies the purpose of explaining
2 Guardamos silencio a fin de que el bebé no se despierte We keep quiet in order that the baby does not wake up
The clause a fin de que el bebé no se despierte indicates the purpose of keeping quiet
Con el fin de que with the purpose that
Con el fin de que is another formal way to express purpose similar to a fin de que and is used to indicate the goal or objective of the action in the main clause
Examples
1 Asistimos a la reunión con el fin de que podamos resolver el problema We attend the meeting with the purpose that we can solve the problem
The subordinate clause con el fin de que podamos resolver el problema explains the aim of attending the meeting
2 Ella hizo todo lo posible con el fin de que no se notara su error She did everything possible with the purpose that her mistake would not be noticed
The clause con el fin de que no se notara su error indicates the goal of her actions
Con el objetivo de que with the aim that
Con el objetivo de que is used to introduce a clear and specific goal emphasizing the intention behind the action in the main clause
Examples
1 Implementamos nuevas políticas con el objetivo de que la empresa sea más eficiente We implement new policies with the aim that the company becomes more efficient
The subordinate clause con el objetivo de que la empresa sea más eficiente explains the purpose of the new policies
2 Realizamos pruebas con el objetivo de que el producto sea seguro We conduct tests with the aim that the product is safe
The clause con el objetivo de que el producto sea seguro indicates the purpose of conducting tests
Variations in Verb Tense and Mood
Final subordinate clauses predominantly use the subjunctive mood because they refer to actions that are desired or intended but not certain However the main clause can be in various tenses affecting the subordinate clause accordingly
Present Tense
When the main clause is in the present tense the subordinate clause often uses the present subjunctive to indicate an immediate or general purpose
Examples
1 Hablo despacio para que me entiendas I speak slowly so that you understand me
The main clause Hablo despacio is in the present tense and the subordinate clause para que me entiendas uses the present subjunctive
2 Ella ahorra dinero para que puedan viajar She saves money so that they can travel
The clause para que puedan viajar uses the present subjunctive to indicate the purpose of saving money
Past Tense
When the main clause is in the past tense the subordinate clause typically uses the imperfect subjunctive to reflect the purpose of a past action
Examples
1 Estudié mucho para que pudiera aprobar el examen I studied a lot so that I could pass the exam
The main clause Estudié mucho is in the past tense and the subordinate clause para que pudiera aprobar el examen uses the imperfect subjunctive
2 Trabajó duro para que sus hijos tuvieran un buen futuro He worked hard so that his children would have a good future
The clause para que sus hijos tuvieran un buen futuro indicates the intended outcome of working hard
Future Tense
When the main clause is in the future tense the subordinate clause continues to use the present subjunctive to indicate the intended result
Examples
1 Estudiaré mucho para que pueda aprobar el examen I will study a lot so that I can pass the exam
The main clause Estudiaré mucho is in the future tense and the subordinate clause para que pueda aprobar el examen uses the present subjunctive
2 Trabajará duro para que sus hijos tengan un buen futuro He will work hard so that his children have a good future
The clause para que sus hijos tengan un buen futuro indicates the purpose of future hard work
