ajanilmaisuun
Ajanilmaisuun is a linguistic term used in Finnish-language analysis to refer to the set of expressions that convey temporal information. It covers the ways in which time is expressed in language, including time nouns, numerals, adverbials, prepositional phrases, and certain verb forms that function as time markers. The concept is employed in syntax, semantics, and discourse analysis to describe how speakers situate events in time.
The etymology of the term combines ajan, meaning time, with ilmaisuun, the illative form of ilmaisu meaning
In practice, ajanilmaisuun encompasses a range of constructions. Temporal expressions may be expressed by case endings,
Examples of the concept include English equivalents such as in three days, for two hours, and during
See also: time expression, temporal adverb, illative case, Finnish grammar.