Mainitsemaan

Mainitsemaan is the third infinitive form of the Finnish verb mainita, which means to mention or to bring up. As a non-finite form, mainitsemaan cannot stand alone as a finite verb; it functions in combination with other verbs to indicate purpose, direction, or ongoing action.

Formation and use. The third infinitive in Finnish is formed by adding -maan or -mään to the verb stem, producing forms such as mainitsemaan from mainita. This infinitive is commonly used with verbs of motion or intention, most notably mennä (to go) to express “to go to mention” or “to mention in the course of doing something,” for example: Menen mainitsemaan asian. (I am going to mention the matter.) Other verbs that can take the third infinitive include ryhtyä (to begin), alkaa (to start), or jatkaa (to continue) in phrases like ryhtyä mainitsemaan or alkaa mainitsemaan, depending on context.

Meaning and nuance. Mainitsemaan indicates the act of mentioning or bringing up something, often within a larger action or purpose. It is synonymous with mainita in explicit statements but is used specifically where the action is framed as part of a planned or ongoing activity rather than as a standalone statement.

Examples.

- Menen mainitsemaan asian.

- Hän ryhtyi mainitsemaan epäkohtia.

- He alkoivat mainitsemaan lisätietoja.

Related forms. The dictionary base is mainita (to mention). The third infinitive contrasts with the basic infinitive mainita and the other non-finite forms used in Finnish grammar.

See also. Finnish grammar, infinitives, mainita.