Ratkaistessa

Ratkaistessa is a Finnish adverbial participle form derived from the verb ratkaista, meaning to solve or resolve. It expresses simultaneous action and is used to form a non-finite clause that roughly translates to “while solving” or “in solving.” The construction connects a main clause with an action described in the participial clause.

In usage, ratkaisesta forms appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence and describe what happens concurrently with the action of the main verb. The subject of the participial clause is typically the same as the subject of the main clause, though rephrasing may be needed if the subjects differ. This form is common in written Finnish, including descriptive prose and instructional or explanatory texts, where it helps to present steps or conditions without creating a separate finite clause.

Examples illustrate its meaning and function, though exact punctuation can vary:

- Ratkaistessa ongelmaa on tärkeää tarkistaa lähtötiedot.

- Ratkaistessa tehtävää kannattaa edetä vaihe kerrallaan.

Etymologically, the -essa ending is a standard in Finnish for forming inessive adverbial participles that denote simultaneous action. Ratkaistessa sits among a family of similar forms used to indicate time or condition in relation to the main clause, such as jokaisen verbin omat adverbial participles like kirjoittaessa (while writing). The form is a grammatical tool for concise, cohesive expression and is understood by proficient Finnish readers and listeners.