Väljendudes

Väljendudes is an Estonian non-finite verb form used to indicate that the act of expressing occurs concurrently with or as a manner of the main action. It is a gerund-like form derived from a verb such as väljendada or related verbal stems, and it typically functions as an adverbial modifier in a sentence.

In use, väljendudes serves to describe how something is said or expressed, adding nuance about the speaker’s attitude, mood, or manner. It answers questions of manner or circumstance, often equivalent to English “while expressing,” “in expressing,” or “expressing as.” The form is most common in written Estonian and in more formal styles, where it can replace a separate subordinate clause to convey simultaneity more succinctly.

Formally, väljendudes is attached to the verb stem with a suffix that marks the gerund-like non-finite form. It can be used with various verbs to indicate that the main action and the act of expressing occur together. Its use can heighten emphasis on the speaker’s stance or the communicative act, but overuse may affect readability in everyday speech.

Example: Ta vastas rahulikult, väljendudes kindlalt. Here, väljendudes conveys the manner in which the response is given. Another instance might place the form after a clause to highlight how something is stated or conveyed, rather than what is said.

Väljendudes is one of several Estonian non-finite verb forms that enrich textual nuance by expressing concomitant actions and attitudes without introducing a separate finite clause.