aikaisempaa

Aikaisempaa is the partitive singular form of the Finnish comparative adjective aikaisempi, meaning earlier or prior. It is used to indicate that something is more previous in time than another thing, rather than simply being early in an absolute sense.

Grammatical usage and function: Aikaisempaa is an inflected form that accompanies a noun in the partitive case. It is commonly used when contrasting time-related aspects such as information, events, plans, or research with something newer. Examples include aikaisempaa tietoa (older information), aikaisempaa tutkimusta (earlier research), and aikaisempaan tilanteeseen verrattuna (in comparison with a more previous situation).

Examples in sentences: Meillä on aikaisempaa tietoa tästä ilmiöstä. Aikaisempaa tutkimusta on tehty useissa vertailuissa. Tämä suunnitelma on aikaisempaa verrattuna siihen, jonka hyväksyimme aiemmin.

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from aikainen (timely, of time) plus the comparative suffix -mpi, producing aikaisempi, whose partitive singular form is aikaisempaa. Finnish uses this form when the accompanying noun requires the partitive case, typically with mass or uncountable quantities or when the statement is non-specific, indefinite, or contrasted with another instance.

See also: aikainen, aikaisempi, aikaisimmin, Finnish comparative adjectives, Finnish grammar.