Alkuaineena

Alkuaineena is the essive form of the Finnish noun alkuaine, meaning a chemical element. In Finnish grammar, the essive case is used to express the state or role of something, often translated as “as” or “in the capacity of.” Therefore alkuaineena means “as an element” or “in the capacity of an element” and is used primarily in scientific and educational contexts.

Etymology and grammar: alkuaine combines alkuaine (element) with the stem that forms the essive case when the suffix -na is added. The construction is commonly used with the copula olla (to be) or in descriptive clauses to present the subject’s identity or function at a given moment, especially when discussing chemical properties, classifications, or comparative statements.

Usage: The form is typical in scientific writing, textbooks, and educational explanations where it is important to foreground the elemental identity of a substance. It conveys that a property or role is being considered from the standpoint of the element itself rather than as part of a compound or mixture. In everyday language, alkuaineena appears less frequently but may show up in translations, didactic texts, or discussions about chemistry concepts.

Examples:

- Vety on alkuaineena erittäin kevyt. (Hydrogen is an element and is extremely light.)

- Kloori on alkuaineena reaktiivinen. (Chlorine is an element and is reactive.)

See also: alkuaine, suomen kielen essiivi, Finnish grammar.