Oletettaessa

Oletettaessa is a non-finite verb form of the Finnish verb olettaa, meaning to suppose or to assume. It is used to introduce a subordinate clause that states a premise or condition, roughly translating to “when it is assumed” or “assuming that” in English. The form belongs to the family of converbs that express circumstance and is typically found in formal or technical writing, policy documents, legal texts, or analytic reports. It is less common in everyday spoken Finnish.

Formation and nuance: Oletettaessa is created from the verb olettaa with the suffix -ttaessa, yielding a passive converb that signals the circumstance under which the main clause holds. In practice, it marks a hypothetical premise rather than an action performed by the subject of the main clause. It can be paraphrased with expressions like “olettaen, että” or “olettamalla, että,” depending on the desired nuance. For everyday language, the active participle olettamalla (meaning “assuming”) is typically more natural.

Usage notes: Oletettaessa often appears in official, analytical, or policy-oriented texts where premises are laid out as conditions for conclusions. The form emphasizes the premise rather than presenting a direct action by the subject. In less formal contexts, speakers may prefer more common constructions such as olettamalla or conditions introduced with jos or kun + indicative.

See also: olettaa, olettaminen, olettaminen ja oletettavat tilat, Finnish grammar on converbs and participles.