A purpose clause is used to express the purpose behind an action. Purpose Clauses follow the Sequence of Tenses RuleThey are formed as follows: If the purpose clause is positive: ut + subjunctive. If the purpose clause is negative: ne + subjunctive . Note that the the best way to translate “ne” in a purpose clause is “lest...”.
For Example:milites in silvam contenderunt ut Germanos interficerent – the soldiers marched into the wood in order to kill the Germans latrones gazam celaverunt ne gemmae a militibus abriperentur – the robbers hid the treasure lest the jewels be stolen by the soldiers