si … u

Purpose Clauses

Level 4

A common frame is si + subject pronoun + u + subjunctive, “so that someone does something.”

How It Works

The noun si, “manner/way,” introduces the purpose clause and requires u in its predicate. The verb normally uses the simple subjunctive. The intended actor is expressed in the clause, whether identical to the main actor or different.

Additional prepositions contract with u: instrumental ku produces ugu. Here that form combines relations; it does not express a superlative. Intervening nouns can separate the subject pronoun from the preverbal cluster.

The source also permits an in-clause expressing purpose with u in the main predicate. By contrast, si fiican u, “well,” describes manner rather than introducing an intended event. A purpose clause does not guarantee that its goal was achieved.

Examples (4)

  1. Waxaan tagay dugsiga si aan u barto afka Soomaaliga.

    I went to school to learn Somali.

    The same actor is expressed again in the purpose clause.

  2. Fur albaabka si ay carruurtu u soo galaan.

    Open the door so that the children can come in.

    The purpose clause has its own subject and dependent verb.

  3. Qaado qalinkan si aad ugu qorto warqadda.

    Take this pen so that you can write the letter with it.

    Ugu combines si-related u and instrumental ku.

  4. Waxaan keenay biyo si ay u cabbaan.

    I brought water so that they could drink.

    The stated purpose does not guarantee drinking.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

si … uLevel 4Purpose Clauses

Learn This First

Recognize subjunctive forms and the relation expressed by u before constructing the purpose frame si ... u.

Words in This Pattern

u