perusajatuksena

Perusajatuksena is a Finnish expression meaning "as the basic idea" or "as the underlying concept." It is used to introduce the central premise, guiding principle, or priority of a text, argument, plan, or recommendation. The phrase signals that what follows rests on a foundational assumption.

Grammatically it combines perus-, meaning base or fundamental, with ajatuksena, the essive form of ajatukset (idea). This formation literally means "as an idea." It is typically placed at the start of a clause: "Perusajatuksena on …," and can govern a whole sentence or function within a longer statement. The construction can also appear in slightly extended forms, such as "perusajatuksena tässä on," to emphasise the framing point.

Usage notes: in formal writing it helps to outline the central premise before detailing arguments or actions. It is common in analysis, policy proposals, and academic texts. The nuance is that it emphasizes the underlying premise rather than individual points. Related expressions include pääajatuksena (main idea), keskeinen idea (central idea), and perusperiaate (basic principle). While closely related to these terms, perusajatuksena ofta signals the starting point or foundational concept that guides the rest of the discussion.

Examples: "Perusajatuksena on, että koulutuksen saavutettavuutta parannetaan digitalisaation keinoin." "Tämän raportin perusajatuksena on esittää konkreettisia energiatehokkuusratkaisuja."