Alustavad

Alustavad is a finite verb form in the Estonian language. It represents the third-person plural present tense of the verb alustada, meaning to begin or to start. The form is used with plural subjects and expresses that multiple agents are beginning an action in the present or in a general sense. In English, it corresponds to “they begin” or “they are starting.”

Usage of alustavad occurs in sentences describing ongoing or planned initiation by more than one subject, such as people, groups, or organizations. It often appears with a direct object in the partitive or with time expressions to indicate timing. Examples include: Nad alustavad tööd. (“They are starting work.”) Nad alustavad uuringut. (“They are starting a study.”) The construction can be negated with ei, as in Nad ei alusta. (“They are not starting.”)

Grammatically, alustavad is the 3rd person plural form of alustada in the present indicative. The base verb alustada belongs to Estonian’s first conjugation class and has related forms such as alustan (I start), alustad (you start), and alustab (he/she/it starts). The infinitive form is alustada, and related noun forms include alustamine (initiation) and alustamine as a process.

In usage, alustavad is common in formal and informal contexts when describing actions undertaken by multiple actors at or near the present time. It can appear in news reports, project plans, or everyday statements about collaborative activities.