muodollisemmaksi

Muodollisemmaksi is a Finnish grammatical form that represents the translative case of the comparative adjective muodollisempi, meaning more formal. It is used to express a change of state toward a higher level of formality. In Finnish, the translative case (ending in -ksi, here -maksi) denotes a transition into a new condition or status, and when applied to a comparative adjective it indicates that something has become more formal.

Formation and usage

The base adjective is muodollinen (formal). Its comparative form is muodollisempi (more formal), and the translative form is muodollisemmaksi, signaling a change into a more formal state. This form is typically used with verbs of becoming or making, such as muuttua or tehdä, to describe altering the level of formality. It can also modify nouns in constructions that express a resulting state, for example in phrases describing tone, style, or procedures becoming more formal.

Examples

Keskustelu muuttui muodollisemmaksi. The discussion became more formal.

Kokouksen kieli tehtiin muodollisemmaksi toivottuun virallisuustasoon. The language of the meeting was made more formal to the desired level of formality.

Käytännöt voivat tehdä asiakirjan muodollisemmaksi. The practices can make the document more formal.

Notes

Muodollisemmaksi is common in written Finnish, especially in formal or official contexts such as government, legal, or business communication. It is distinct from the superlative muodollisin, which means the most formal, and from other forms that express degree without signaling a change in state.