sõltumatuteks

Sõltumatuteks is the translative plural form of the Estonian adjective sõltumatu, meaning independent. It is used to express a change of state toward independence or to describe a group characterized as independent. The form combines the translative suffix -teks with the plural stem and appears with verbs of becoming (saama, muutuma) or in predicative constructions. For example, nad said sõltumatuteks signifies that they became independents.

In political and public discourse, sõltumatuteks commonly designates candidates or officeholders who are not affiliated with any political party. The expression marks them as independents, rather than party-affiliated. Because it is a grammatical form rather than a standalone noun, sõltumatuteks functions as an adjective phrase in the translative case and is typically used with verbs of transformation or in predicative clauses.

Usage notes:

- It denotes a state change: ficando sõltumatuteks (to become independents) or being described as such.

- It is typically found in formal or written Estonian, especially in political reporting or election coverage.

- The corresponding singular form is sõltumatuks (to become independent), while the nominative plural is sõltumatud (the independents).

See also:

- sõltumatu (independent)

- sõltumatud (the independents, as a plural adjective/noun form in other cases)

- erakond (party)

- valimised (elections)

Overall, sõltumatuteks is a specialized grammatical form used to refer to people who are independent, particularly in the context of changing status or designation in political settings.