koskemaan

Koskemaan is the second infinitive of the Finnish verb koskea, which means to touch. In Finnish grammar, several verbs form a non-finite second infinitive by adding the suffix -maan or -mään to the stem. For koskea, the second infinitive is koskemaan. The form is primarily a feature of descriptive grammar and appears in formal or written language rather than everyday speech.

Formation and use

The second infinitive is constructed from the verb stem with the suffix -maan (or -mään, depending on phonological rules). Koskemaan thus represents the non-finite, purpose-like or clause-linking form that can appear in specific grammatical contexts. It is distinct from the first infinitive koskea and from finite conjugated forms. The second infinitive is most commonly discussed in grammar references, dictionaries, and language descriptions.

Function and context

Koskemaan is used in a limited set of grammatical constructions that involve non-finite clauses, such as expressions of purpose, manner, or sequence within longer verb phrases in formal prose. It is not a part of standard, colloquial speech, where speakers would typically use finite verbs or alternative constructions. Because of its specialized status, koskemaan is encountered mainly in academic writing, legal texts, historical literature, or linguistic descriptions of Finnish verbs.

Relation to other forms

Koskea is the basic, first infinitive form meaning “to touch.” The second infinitive koskemaan is part of a broader Finnish system of non-finite verb forms, alongside other infinitive and participial forms used in more formal syntax. For learners, koskemaan is typically encountered in grammars and reference works rather than in daily conversation.

See also: koskea, Finnish grammar, infinitives, non-finite verb forms.