Tuhoavat

Tuhoavat is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Finnish verb tuhoaa, meaning to destroy or ruin. It is used when the subject of the clause is plural and the action occurs in the present. The form is created from the verb stem tuho- with the present tense ending -vat, giving tuhoavat. The corresponding singular form is tuhoaa, and the noun form related to destruction is tuhoaminen (destruction as a process).

Grammatical notes: Tuhoavat agrees in number with the subject. For example, Nämä toimet tuhoavat metsän means “These measures destroy the forest.” The form is common in everyday Finnish, journalism, and formal prose, and it can describe physical destruction, ecological damage, or metaphorical ruin.

Usage: The word is neutral in tone and typically denotes irreversible or significant damage, though it can be used descriptively rather than approvingly. In combination with objects or complemented by adverbs, it can convey intensity or scope (for example, widespread destruction or rapid action).

Examples:

- Nämä rakennusprojektit tuhoavat metsän. Translation: These construction projects are destroying the forest.

- Ilmastonmuutos tuhoaa monia ekosysteemejä, ja ihmisten toiminta voi tuhoaa tulevaisuuden. Translation: Climate change destroys many ecosystems, and human activity can ruin the future.

Related forms include tuhoaa (third-person singular present) and tuhoaminen (destruction as a noun).