terviklausetes

terviklausetes is a term used in the study of Estonian syntax to describe a class of sentences in which a main clause is accompanied by one or more subordinate clauses that together express a complete proposition. In this usage, a terviklauset is not merely a main clause with optional modifiers, but a semantically coherent unit in which the subordinate elements are essential to the full meaning.

The term is of Estonian origin, combining words that convey the idea of a “complete” or “whole” sentence with the word for clause. It appears in some descriptive grammars of Estonian and is most commonly encountered in analyses of formal, written prose rather than in beginner-language teaching.

Structure and types: terviklausetes typically involve content clauses (that-clauses), relative clauses, or temporal and conditional clauses attached to the main clause. The main clause provides the primary assertion or action, while the subordinate clause supplies information that completes or clarifies the proposition. Conjunctions such as et and kui and relative pronouns are used to link elements. The resulting units often preserve consistent tense and aspect across the clauses, contributing to overall coherence.

Examples (Estonian with English gloss):

- Ma tean, et ta tuleb homme. (I know that he will come tomorrow.)

- Ta ostis raamatu, mis oli huvitav. (He bought a book that was interesting.)

- Kui sajab, jääme koju. (If it rains, we stay home.)

Relation to broader concepts: terviklausetes are a specific way to describe complex sentence units within Estonian grammar and are related to the general study of complex sentences, subordinate clauses, and sentence cohesion.