põhilausesele

Põhilausesele is an Estonian linguistic term used to describe the main clause of a sentence, especially within complex or multi-clausal constructions. It designates the clause that conveys the central proposition or primary information, with other clauses attached to it as explanations, reasons, conditions, purposes, or consequences.

Etymology and form: The word combines põhi- meaning main or base, lausene (related to lause, clause), and the allative suffix -le, which in scholarly discussion marks orientation toward the main clause. In this sense, põhilausesele functions as a label for the clause that serves as the grammatical and informational core of a larger sentence structure.

Function and usage: In descriptive syntactic models, the põhilausesele anchors the sentence’s argument structure and tense, while subordinate or coordinated clauses attach to it. The term is primarily used in linguistic literature and advanced Estonian grammar teaching to distinguish the central clause from dependent clauses such as reason, purpose, or condition clauses. Some grammars treat põhilausesele as a functional label rather than a formal constituent, reflecting differences across theoretical frameworks.

Examples:

- Ma kirjutan aruande, sest tähtaeg on lähedal. In this sentence, "Ma kirjutan aruande" is the main clause (põhilausesele) and "sest tähtaeg on lähedal" is a subordinate clause explaining the reason.

- Ma võtsin kaasa vihiku, et teha märkmeid. Here, "Ma võtsin kaasa vihiku" is the main clause and "et teha märkmeid" expresses purpose.

See also: Estonian syntax, subordinate clause, coordinated clause, conjunctions.