Toivomalla

Toivomalla is a non-finite verb form of the Finnish verb toivoa, meaning to hope or to wish. It functions as an adverbial participle, conveying the manner or means by which an action is carried out, roughly corresponding to the English by hoping or while hoping. The form is built from the verb stem toivo- with the suffix -malla, and it is used in formal or literary Finnish.

In usage, toivomalla is typically employed to set the circumstance under which the main clause occurs. It is more common in written and historical styles and is less frequent in everyday speech, where alternative constructions or the more common participle toivoen is often preferred. The subject of the toivomalla clause is usually the same as the subject of the main clause; the form can be used to introduce a clause that explains the motive or condition for the action described in the main clause, though exact word order can vary with emphasis and style.

Grammatically, toivomalla is one of several adverbial participle forms in Finnish that allow a sentence to express simultaneity, means, or circumstance without a full dependent clause. It contrasts with increasingly common constructions that use finite verbs or other participles for similar purposes. Because toivomalla can sound formal or old-fashioned, writers often choose more contemporary or straightforward alternatives when clarity and naturalness are priorities.

Etymology and related forms: toivomalla derives from the verb toivoa (to hope) and shares the functional space with other adverbial participles formed with -malla and related suffixes. See also toivoa, toivoen, and the broader use of adverbial participles in Finnish grammar.