Showing a Result
In addition to purpose clauses, the subordinating conjunction ut can introduce a result clause. A result clause is a clause that shows the result of the action of the main verb. Like purpose clauses, the verb of a result clause is in the subjunctive.
Tam celeriter currē bat ut in lutum caderet.
Don't worry about getting confused over recognizing a purpose clause versus a result clause. Context aside, there are a couple of things to look for that set the two uses apart. The first clue appears if the result clause is negative. Instead of switching the ut to nē, result clauses keep the ut and add a negative word inside the clause itself.
Ita currē bat ut in lutum nīn caderet.
Tam celeriter currē bat ut in lutum numquam caderet.
The second surefire way to recognize a result clause actually appears in the main clause. Look at the examples above and you will notice a “so” word. The main clause preceding a result clause is reminiscent of the old joke sequence: “My sister is so skinny …” to which the audience interrupts: “How skinny is she?!”
The “so” word isn't a requirement, but it's almost always there to tip you off. Here is a list of the most common “so” words:
ita (in such a way)
sī c (like this, in such a way)
tā lis (of such a kind)
tam (so)
tantus (so big, so great)
tot (so many)
It is rather puzzling that the verb in a result clause takes the subjunctive. Tam celeriter currē bat is in the indicative mood because it describes a fact. Yet “that he fell in the mud” is also a fact, not a wish or idea. So why the subjunctive? No one really knows. That's just the way it is.
