Kokoontumaan

Kokoontumaan is the third infinitive active form of the Finnish verb kokoontua, meaning to gather or come together. The base form kokoontua is the basic, first infinitive. Kokoontumaan functions as a non-finite verb form that can express purpose or function in sentences, similar to the English “to gather” when used with other verbs.

In Finnish grammar, the third infinitive active (ending -maan/-MÄN) is commonly used after verbs of motion or intention to indicate purpose. For example, with the verb mennä (to go), the phrase mennä kokoontumaan means “to go to gather/assemble.” The form is also found in clauses that describe aims or plans, and it can appear with different tenses and moods through surrounding constructions.

A related noun is kokoontuminen, which denotes the act or event of gathering, a meeting or assembly. The verb’s non-finite form and the noun share the same root, enabling expressions like “kokoontumisen järjestäminen” (organizing the gathering).

Usage notes: In everyday Finnish, kokoontumaan is relatively formal or literary; speakers may prefer kokoontua or arrange in phrases like “kokoontua yhteen.” The choice of infinitive form often depends on the syntactic role and the surrounding verbs in a sentence.

Examples:

- Mennään kokoontumaan koulun saliin. (Let’s go to gather in the school hall.)

- Hän lähti kokoontumaan ystäviensä kanssa. (He left to gather with his friends.)

- Kokoontumaan valmistautuminen vie aikaa. (Preparing to gather takes time.)