Käytettäessä

Käytettäessä is a Finnish non-finite verb form derived from the verb käyttää (to use). It functions as an adverbial participle that expresses a circumstance, roughly translating to "when using" or "in use." The form is typically used to introduce a subordinate clause that describes the conditions or manner under which the main action occurs. It is common in technical writing, manuals, and formal prose.

In practice, Käytettäessä introduces a circumstance clause and cannot stand alone as a finite sentence. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by the main clause, and is usually separated by a comma for clarity. The construction emphasizes how something is done rather than who performs the action.

Examples:

- Käytettäessä tätä ohjelmaa, tulokset paranevat. (When using this program, the results improve.)

- Käytettäessä tätä laitetta on varmistettava, että virtajohto on kunnolla kiinni. (When using this device, the power cord must be securely connected.)

Notes and related forms:

- Käytettäessä is contrasted with käyttämällä, which expresses means or method more directly (by using). Käytettäessä focuses on the circumstance under which the action takes place.

- The form is formal and frequently found in instructions, guidelines, and policy texts, where precise conditions are important.