PurpV2: Purpose constructions are marked by a nonfinite verb form.

PurpWV1: Purpose constructions are marked by an independent word (referent) in the main clause.

(1a) mīša wɔ̄č-nam mən, lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-taɣə.

Misha town-apr go.pst.3sg brother-3sg-com together see-inf

‘Misha went to the town to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

(1b) lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-t-aʌ-at mīša wɔ̄č-nam mən.

brother-3sg-com together see-prs.ptc-3sg-fin Misha town-apr go.pst.3sg

‘Misha went to the town to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

(1c) lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-tə pətan mīša wɔ̄č-nam mən.

brother-3sg-com together see-prs.ptc due_to Misha town-apr go.pst.3sg

‘Misha went to the town to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

(1d) lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-tə kīča mīša wɔ̄č-nam mən.

brother-3sg-com together see-prs.ptc for_that Misha town-apr go.pst.3sg

‘Misha went to the town to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

(1e) mīša lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-tə-ɣat wɔ̄č-nam mən.

Misha brother-3sg-com together see-prs.ptc-fin town-apr go.pst.3sg

‘Misha went to the town to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

(2a) mīša ťūt-at wɔ̄č-nam mən, lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-tə kīča.

Misha that-fin town-apr go.pst.3sg brother-3sg-com together see-prs.ptc for_that

‘Misha went to the town in order to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

(2b) mīša ťu pətan wɔ̄č-nam mən, lēli-ʌ-nat ńūʌ wū-tə kīča.

Misha that because town-apr go.pst.3sg brother-3sg-com together see-prs.ptc for_that

‘Misha went to the town in order to meet his brother.’ (L. N. K.)

In Surgut Khanty, purpose clauses can entail various participles or participal/infinitival constructions such as infinitives with the ­taɣә derivational suffix (1a), present participles with the -t-  suffix, -at suffixed instructive–finalis forms with person markers (which refer to the agent (1b)) or without person markers (1e). Instead of case suffixes, postpositions can also be attached to participles (1c, 1d). As a rule, the purpose clause in subordinating constructions precedes the matrix clause. Recently, a new subordination type has emerged in Surgut Khanty, in which the main clause initiates the sentence and contains a connective guide word (2a, b).