| Clauses |
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Result: Latin uses the subjunctive introduced by ut. If the clause is a negative one, the ut is followed by such negatives as non, nemo and nihil.
A result clause is usually preceded by a signal word, an adjective or adverb, which indicates that a result clause is to follow. Such words are:
Result clauses differ from purpose clauses. They can appear similiar since both use subjunctive mood verbs and can be introduced by 'ut' however they are very different in meaning. It is in the negative that one sees a clear difference.
Exempli Gratia
| Result Clause: | Tanta fecit ut urbem servaret. |
| He did such great things that he saved the city. |
| Purpose Clause: | Haec fecit ut urbem servaret. |
| He did these things so that he might (in order to) save the city. |
The preceding result clause demonstrates an actual result: that he saved the city as a result of doing such great things(and he did, the result has already happened).
The purpose clause (notice that there is no qualifying word such as tanta) expresses purpose; the action has not happened. He did these things in order that he might save the city (but he hasn't as of yet). If these sentences were negated, then the difference would be very distinct:
| Result Clause: | Tanta fecit ut urbem non servaret. |
| He did such great things that he did not save the city. |
| Purpose Clause: | Haec fecit ne urbem servaret. |
| He did these things so that he might not save the city. |
A result clause always negates with ut ... non while a purpose clause negates using ne.
There are two examples for each sentence, one as a result clause, the other as a purpose clause. Note the qualifiers for each
| Result Clause | Purpose Clause |
|---|---|
| Tam strenue laborat ut multa perficiat. He works so energetically that (as a result) he accomplishes many things. |
Strenue laborat ut multa perficiat. He works energetically so that he may accomplish (for the purpose of accomplishing) many things. |
| Hoc tanta benevolentia dixit ut eos non offenderet. He said this with such great kindness (with the result) that he did not offend them. |
Hoc dixit ne eos offenderet. He said this in order that he might not offend them |
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