mittaamaan

Mittaamaan is the third infinitive active form of the Finnish verb mitata, meaning to measure. It is formed by adding the suffix -maan to the verb stem, yielding mittaamaan. The third infinitive active is a non-finite form used to express purpose or to connect verbs in clauses, rather than as a standalone finite verb.

In usage, mittaamaan commonly appears after verbs of movement or intention to indicate purpose, similar to the English "to measure" in phrases like "go to measure." Examples include: Hän meni mittaamaan pituuttaan (He went to measure his height) and Mennään mittaamaan tilavuus lasista (Let's go measure the volume of the glass). The form is not used alone; it requires a main clause with a finite verb or a construction that governs non-finite forms.

Distinctions from other Finnish verb forms are important. The base form mitata is the dictionary (1st) infinitive used for general statements and in dictionaries. The mittaamaan form, as the third infinitive, conveys purpose or the action to be undertaken in coordination with another verb, such as in sentences with mennä or aikoa in some contexts.

Notes on spelling and harmony: the ending -maan reflects vowel harmony, with -maan used after back vowels (as in mit ta- + maan). The form remains mittaamaan in standard Finnish.

See also mitata, the basic infinitive, and the concept of the Finnish kolmas infinitiivi (third infinitive) for related non-finite verb forms.