sopeuttamalla

Sopeuttamalla is the ma-infinitive form (gerund) of the Finnish verb sopeuttaa, meaning “to adapt.” It functions as an adverbial or instrumental expression that conveys the method or means by which an action is performed, translating to “by adapting” or “through adaptation” in English.

In usage, sopeuttamalla introduces the approach taken to achieve a result. It is common in formal, analytical, or policy-oriented texts where authors outline processes, reforms, or strategies. The form links to the main clause by specifying how the action is carried out rather than what is done.

Formation-wise, sopeuttamalla is created by adding the ending -malla to the verb stem sopeuttaa. This yields an adverbial gerund that can be integrated mid-sentence or at the start of a clause to set out the method of proceeding. It is one of several Finnish adverbial -malla forms, which express means or manner.

Examples:

- Sopeuttamalla tuotantoa yritys voi alentaa kustannuksia. (By adapting production, a company can reduce costs.)

- Sopeuttamalla politiikkaa muuttuvaan taloustilanteeseen hallitus pyrkii vakaampiin markkinoihin. (By adapting policy to the changing economic situation, the government aims for more stable markets.)

See also: Finnish grammar; ma-infinitive; sopeuttaminen.