sellaisilla

Sellaisilla is a Finnish grammatical form of the demonstrative determiner sellainen, meaning “such” or “that kind of.” It is the plural inessive form, used when the noun it modifies is plural and located in or described by the inessive case, typically translated as “in such …” or “among such ….” In practice, sellaisilla appears in phrases that specify a context, place, or situation.

Usage and examples

Sellaisilla typically precedes a plural noun in the inessive. Examples include:

- Sellaisilla paikoilla on turvallista. (In such places it is safe.)

- Sellaisilla ihmisillä on suuria unelmia. (Such people have big dreams.)

- Sellaisilla keinoilla voi saavuttaa tavoitteet. (With such means it is possible to achieve the goals.)

The form is part of a broader system of demonstrative forms that indicate number (singular/plural) and grammatical case, allowing precise references to previously mentioned or contextually implied nouns.

Formation and related forms

The base form is sellainen, meaning “such.” Its plural nominative is sellaiset, and the plural inessive form is sellaisilla. Related forms include:

- sellainen (singular nominative)

- sellaiset (plural nominative)

- sellaisessa / sellaisista / sellaisille (other cases and numbers)

These forms are used to discuss categories, manners, places, or methods in a way that points back to a known or assumed set of items or circumstances.

Etymology and usage notes

Sellainen derives from the Finnish demonstrative system. Sellaisilla emphasizes plurality and a locative sense, aligning with inessive expressions like “in such …” The choice between sellainen, sellaiset, and their case forms depends on the number and case of the noun they modify.