pastparticiplesta

Pastparticiplesta is a theoretical grammatical form described in linguistic typology and discussions of constructed languages. It is formed by attaching the suffix -sta to a past participle, yielding a non-finite clause that encodes a completed action with a resultant state that remains relevant to the reference time. The form is used to express an anterior, state-bearing relationship between the action and the current situation, often with a persistent or present relevance.

Morphology and semantics: The base is the language’s past participle; the -sta marker is a clitic or suffix depending on the language. Phonology and attachment vary, but the function remains the same: a single non-finite unit meaning “having done X.” In finite contexts, some theories allow limited copular use.

Usage and examples: In the hypothetical language Lumenic, the past participle of finish is fin, and the pastparticiplesta form is finsta, meaning “having finished.” A sentence: John finsta the report, and then he left. Translation: John, having finished the report, left. The construction can also occur prenominally as a modifier of a noun: a finsta project, “a project that has been finished.”

Relation to other categories: Pastparticiplesta is distinct from ordinary past participles and from gerunds or infinitival clauses; it resembles English having-past participles but is typologically restricted.

See also: Participle, Perfect aspect, Gerund, Participial construction.