muodostuvat

Muodostuvat is a Finnish verb form used to describe the process by which something comes into being or is composed. It is the third-person plural present tense of the intransitive verb muodostua, and it generally translates to “are formed” or “arise” in English, depending on the context. Because muodustua denotes a process rather than a deliberate action by an agent, muodustuvat typically refers to how elements combine or develop into a new whole.

In usage, muodostua and muodustuvat express the emergence or composition of something rather than an intentional act of forming. The subject is usually a plural noun when muodustuvat appears. The form contrasts with muodontaa (to form, to compose), which is a transitive verb that assigns formation to a subject or agent. For example, Kokonaisuudet muodostuvat useista osista means “The wholes are formed from several parts.” Another example: Uudet ryhmät muodostuvat jäsenien liittyessä, “New groups form as members join.”

Grammatical notes: muodustuvat is used with plural subjects in the present tense. Its passive-like sense is often understood from the context, as Finnish expresses formation or emergence without a separate passive conjugation for many intransitive verbs. Related terms include muodostua (to be formed, to arise), muodostus (formation), and muodostaa (to form, to constitute).

Etymology: muodostua derives from the stem muoto- meaning form or shape, with a derivational suffix that signals a process of becoming. The concept is common in descriptions of structures, systems, natural phenomena, and organizational development.