Kokeilemalla

Kokeilemalla is the gerund form of the Finnish verb kokeilla, meaning “to try.” In Finnish grammar, kokeilemalla functions as an adverbial participle (gerund) that expresses manner or means, roughly translating to “by trying” or “through experimentation.”

Formation and usage. The form is created from the stem kokeil- of kokeilla plus the -malla suffix. It introduces non-finite clauses that describe how something is done or what method is used. It is typically used to convey a process, approach, or learning by experimenting, often in instructional, reflective, or exploratory contexts. It is not a finite verb and cannot serve as the main predicate on its own.

Examples. Kokeilemalla näet, miten järjestelmä reagoi. (By trying you see how the system responds.) Kokeilemalla opit parhaiten. (You learn best by trying.) Kokeilemalla voimme löytää parempia ratkaisuja. (By trying, we can find better solutions.)

Notes and related forms. Kokeilemalla contrasts with kokeileminen, the noun form meaning “the act of trying.” Other related expressions describe trials or experiments, such as erilaisia kokeiluja (various trials). The gerund kokeailemalla is mainly used to explain method, approach, or process rather than to state a completed action.

See also. kokeileminen; kokeilla; adverbial participles in Finnish grammar.