pääperusteella

Pääperusteella is a Finnish expression that means “based on the main criterion” or “on the basis of the principal grounds.” It is used to indicate that a decision, assessment, or action rests primarily on a single central factor, rather than on multiple or secondary considerations. The phrase is common in formal language, especially in public administration, law, education, and organizational decision-making.

In usage, pääperusteella signals which criterion or basis has the greatest weight in a process. It is often contrasted with sivuperusteella, meaning “on the basis of secondary grounds,” to show that other factors are present but carry less importance. The term helps to promote transparency by clarifying which factor is controlling a decision. For example, in a recruitment process, a statement like “valinta tehtiin pääperusteella osaamisella” indicates that the primary basis for choosing a candidate was their competence. In procurement or grant decisions, it can denote that the main criterion (such as cost efficiency or need) guided the outcome.

Etymologically, it combines pää (main, principal) with peruste (basis, foundation) and the adessive suffix -ella, forming a phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. While widely understood in Finnish official language, the phrasing is more common in formal documents than in casual speech.

See also: sivuperusteella, päätöksenteko, valintaperusteet.