põdes

Püüdes is an Estonian adverbial present participle formed from the verb püüdma, meaning to strive, to attempt, or to catch. It expresses a concurrent or mannered action connected to the main clause, and is commonly translated into English as “while trying” or “in attempting to.” The form is used in written Estonian to indicate how something is done or under what circumstances it happens.

Grammatically, püüdes is a non-finite construction that typically refers to the same subject as the main clause. It provides circumstantial information about the action in the main clause, often before or after it, and can set the scene for the subsequent statement. Because it is a participial form, it does not itself indicate tense beyond the context of the surrounding sentence.

Etymologically, püüdes derives from püüdma, the verb meaning to try, strive, or catch, with the participial suffix -des. This creates a concise, integrative phrase that connects two ideas without forming a full subordinate clause.

Usage notes:

- Common in formal or literary Estonian; in everyday speech, speakers may opt for clauses with conjunctions (e.g., “kuna ta püüdis…” or “ta püüdes…”) to convey a similar meaning.

- The subject generally remains the same as in the main clause; mismatches are uncommon and considered stylistically heavy.

Examples:

- Püüdes leida lahendust, uuris ta dokumente. (While trying to find a solution, he examined documents.)

- Ta püüdes mitte eksida, kontrollis ta samm-sammult plaani. (In an effort not to err, he checked the plan step by step.)

Püüdes thus functions as a compact, formal way to express accompanying action or intention in Estonian prose.