Tarkastelemalla

Tarkastelemalla is a Finnish non-finite verb form, specifically a gerund, derived from the verb tarkastella meaning to examine or inspect. It functions as an adverbial form that expresses the means or manner in which the action of the main clause is performed, and it is often translated into English as “by examining” or “by looking at.” In Finnish, gerunds like tarkastelemalla are commonly used in formal, analytical, or explanatory writing to link actions and to indicate method.

Formation and form

Tarkastelemalla is formed from the verb stem tarkastele- plus the gerund suffix -malla. The form does not carry person or tense on its own and does not change for number. It typically introduces a subordinate sense that modifies the main clause, answering questions such as how something is done or what method is being used.

Usage

The gerund tarkastelemalla is used to indicate means, method, or approach. It can introduce a clause that elaborates on how an outcome is achieved or how a conclusion is reached. It is common in academic, technical, and policy texts, as well as in journalism that discusses analysis or evaluation.

Examples

- Tarkastelemalla tilannetta huolellisesti voimme tehdä parempia päätöksiä. (By examining the situation carefully, we can make better decisions.)

- Tutkimusraportin johtopäätökset syntyivät tarkastelemalla monia eri muuttujia. (The report’s conclusions were reached by examining many different variables.)

Related forms

Tarkastelemalla is related to other non-finite forms of tarkastella, such as tarkasteleminen (verbal noun) and tarkasteleva/ tarkasteleva, the participial forms. Together they contribute to the Finnish system of non-finite verb forms that express manner, means, or aspect without finite tense.