instrumentalis

Instrumentalis is a term used in linguistics to denote the instrumental case, a grammatical category used by several languages to mark the instrument or means by which an action is performed. The name derives from Latin instrumentum meaning “tool” and the suffix -alis meaning “pertaining to.” In languages that have an instrumental case, the noun inflects to signal its function as instrument or means, and the case can also bear on agency in passive constructions or appear with certain prepositions.

Usage and distribution: The instrumental is a core case in many Slavic languages, where it commonly marks means or instrument and can also express agency in passive clauses. It contrasts with other cases in the noun’s paradigm and interacts with verb semantics, tense, and mood. Some language groups use the instrumental in addition to or instead of periphrastic means of expression, and in certain constructions it coexists with prepositional expressions to convey instrumentality, accompaniment, or manner.

Examples: Russian: ручкой (hand by a pen, “with a pen”); Polish: długopisem (with a ballpoint pen); Czech: tužkou (with a pencil). In these languages the instrumental form of the noun is used to convey the means by which an action is performed, often without a separate preposition.

Relation to other concepts: Instrumentalis is related to the broader concept of grammatical case systems and is distinct from the nominative or accusative. Some languages also employ the instrumental with agents in passive polysyllabic clauses, illustrating its varied functional range across language families.

See also: Grammatical case; Instrumental case.