Lisäite

Lisäite is a term used in Finnish linguistics to describe a clause that adds supplementary information to a sentence. It is sometimes described as a supplement clause or comment clause. The primary function of a lisäite is to comment on, clarify, or add an aside to the content of the main clause, without being essential to its truth conditions.

Position and form: Lisäite may occur after the main clause or attached to a noun phrase. It can be a finite or non-finite clause and is often set off by punctuation such as commas or parentheses in written text, or by a distinct intonation in speech. The exact status and labeling of lisäite vary between grammars: some treat lisäite as a type of subordinate clause with its own subject and predicate, others classify it as a pragmatic or parenthetical element that does not form a strict syntactic unit with the main clause.

Introduction and markers: In Finnish, lisäite can be introduced by subordinating conjunctions, by relative pronouns, or by demonstratives, depending on its function. The content of a lisäite can concern time, reason, condition, or evaluation of the asserted proposition.

Relationship to other constructions: Lisäite is related to appositive constructions and to parenthetical clauses in many languages. Its reading may be optional; removing the lisäite should not alter the core truth of the main clause, though it may change nuance, emphasis, or stance of the speaker. The concept and labeling of lisäite are not universally standardized, and its analysis can differ between grammars.