Kiinniottamalla

Kiinniottamalla is the Finnish gerund form of the verb kiinniottaa, meaning to arrest or seize. It denotes the means by which a goal is achieved, typically rendered in English as “by arresting” or “through detaining.” In legal, police, and investigative language, kiinniottamalla can introduce the method used to obtain information, secure a suspect, or seize assets.

Usage and function: As a non-finite verb form, kiinniottamalla expresses manner or instrumental means. It is common in formal texts such as police reports, court documents, and legislative drafting, where the action of arresting is presented as the method for achieving a desired outcome. It often appears to specify how something is accomplished within a sentence, similar to an adverbial phrase of means.

Grammatical notes: Kiinniottamalla is formed from kiinniottaa plus the -malla suffix, creating a verbal noun that functions as a means adjunct. It can govern subsequent clauses to indicate the method by which a result is obtained and is used in both neutral descriptive and procedural contexts.

Contexts: The form appears in descriptions of investigative processes, custody procedures, and procedural steps where arresting a person or detaining property is a prerequisite for further action, such as evidence collection or transfer to custody.

See also: kiinniotto, kiinniottaminen.