Lausekelause

Lausekelause is a linguistic term used to describe a clause embedded inside another clause, i.e., a subordinate clause functioning as a constituent of a larger sentence. In Finnish grammar, the more common term for this concept is ala-lause (subordinate clause) or alalause, but lausekelause appears in some texts to emphasize its status as a clause within a clause. The concept aligns with the general distinction between main (matrix) clauses and embedded (subordinate) clauses in many languages.

Embedded clauses typically serve as complements of verbs and adjectives, as well as modifiers within noun phrases, and they can express statements, questions, or relative information. Finnish marks these constructions with various subordinating devices, such as että (that), mitä (what), kuka (who), miksi (why), and relative relatives like joka. Examples: "Hän sanoi, että hän tulee illalla." Here, "että hän tulee illalla" functions as a lausekelause in the object/complement position of sanoi. "Minä mietin, mitä hän sanoi." Here, "mitä hän sanoi" is an embedded question clause. More complex embeddings can involve relative clauses like "se on lause, jonka merkitys on tärkeä."

Lausekelause as a label is not universally adopted across grammars; its usefulness lies in highlighting the internal nesting of clauses within sentences. The precise status of an individual embedded clause can depend on theoretical framework, but the underlying idea—an additional clause embedded within a larger clause—remains central to the analysis of syntax in Finnish and other languages.

See also: embedded clause, subordinate clause, complementizer, recursion, Finnish grammar.