laskemalla

Laskemalla is the gerund form of the Finnish verb laskea, meaning to count or calculate. The suffix -malla creates an adverbial participle that expresses means or method, roughly translating to “by counting” or “by calculating.” In this use, laskemalla links to a main clause to indicate how an action is performed rather than when it occurs.

Grammatical function and usage notes: Laskemalla functions as an adverbial participle, typically denoting the means by which something is achieved. It is common in instructional, mathematical, financial, or procedural contexts and can resemble English “by …ing.” The construction does not change tense or subject on its own; the subject of the main clause is usually understood from context. It can appear in sentences that describe steps or methods, often in formal or expository language.

Examples: Laskemalla luvut yhteen saat summan. By adding the numbers together you obtain the sum. Laskemalla kustannukset voidaan arvioida. By calculating the costs one can estimate them. These examples illustrate how laskemalla conveys the idea of performing an action as a method for reaching a result.

Related forms and notes: The Finnish language contains several -malla/-mällä gerund forms built from different verbs, such as kirjoittamalla (by writing) or toteuttamalla (by implementing). Laskemalla is specifically tied to the act of counting or calculating and is commonly used in technical or instructional writing.