Asetuttavat

Asetuttavat is a Finnish finite verb form that functions as the third-person plural present indicative of the causative verb asetuttaa. The base verb asetuttaa is built from the root asetta- (to place, to set) with the causative suffix -uttaa, and the present-tense plural ending -vat, with phonological assimilation yielding the stem form asetutt- before the -avat ending. In practical use, asetuttavat denotes that several actors cause someone or something to be placed, arranged, or set up.

The term is primarily found in formal, bureaucratic, or descriptive prose rather than everyday speech. It describes actions carried out by multiple subjects that result in an arrangement or placement being effected by others or by objects. Because asetuttaa expresses causation, asetuttavat can convey a sense of initiatives or mandates issued by a group rather than by an individual.

Usage notes:

- Asetuttavat typically requires a direct object that indicates what is being placed or arranged and may be complemented by a complement specifying how or where.

- In many everyday contexts, speakers may prefer simpler verbs such as asettavat or toteuttavat, depending on nuance and register.

Etymology and related forms:

- Etymology: asetta- (to place) + -uttaa (causative), with the present plural ending -vat.

- Related forms include asetuttaa (the infinitive), asettaa (to place), and asettautua (to settle or position oneself, a different verb with a reflexive form).

See also: asettaa, asetuttaa, asettautua, Finnish verb morphology, causative verbs.