Ilmoittakoon

Ilmoittakoon is a Finnish verb form derived from ilmoittaa, meaning “to inform” or “to report.” It represents the third-person singular present jussive (optative) mood and is used to express a directive, exhortation, or request in a formal or ceremonial register. In this form, the subject performing the action is generally indefinite, similar to English “let...” or “shall...” in official language.

Formation and grammar: The stem of the verb is ilmoitta-, and the suffix -koon yields ilmoittakoon. This construction is part of Finnish mood systems that convey commands or wishes without specifying a particular agent. The form is most commonly found in formal documents, proclamations, and liturgical or ceremonial texts, rather than in everyday speech.

Usage: Ilmoittakoon is typical of legislative, administrative, and ecclesiastical language, where a neutral, impersonal tone is desired. In ordinary conversation, speakers prefer imperatives like ilmoita or the passive ilmoitetaan, which are more direct or natural in everyday contexts. Ilmoittakoon can also appear in statements of procedure or public notices to indicate that reporting or notification should occur.

Examples:

- Ilmoittakoon tilaisuuden aikataulu. (Let the schedule of the event be reported.)

- Ilmoittakoon osallistujien nimet ja yhteystiedot. (Let the names and contact details of the participants be reported.)

- Ilmoittakoon, kuka vastaa tehtävistä. (Let it be reported who is responsible for the tasks.)

Notes: As a ceremonial form, ilmoittakoon signals formality and procedural clarity rather than immediacy. It is one of several mood forms in Finnish that enable indirect or impersonal commands in official discourse.